Once Xabi Alonso slipped away from the bright lights and through a doorway draped with a banner listing Real Madrid’s mountain of trophies, the club quickly switched their TV feed to old Champions League highlights.
It felt like an attempt to soothe a frustrated fan base still stinging from a chaotic 2–0 loss to Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu.
A Glimpse Back to Better Days
They chose clips from the 2022 final in Paris — Liverpool on the receiving end, Vinicius shining, and Real Madrid still cruising through Europe.
It was a reminder of calmer days, before Alonso arrived with a more modern, collective-driven football philosophy that hasn’t exactly been embraced by everyone.
A Press Conference Short on Answers
Alonso’s media appearance that followed the defeat was unusually dry, offering little for reporters to latch onto.
It was his first time in front of cameras since whispers began circulating that a loss to Manchester City on Wednesday could seal his fate.
Only when he was asked — indirectly — about returning to the Premier League did he show a flicker of emotion.
Hinting at Liverpool
Liverpool wasn’t named outright, but the subtext was impossible to miss.
Alonso didn’t dodge the idea entirely. “For sure,” he admitted, saying he still feels a bond with his old club but insists his focus remains in Spain.
The mention of Liverpool came straight from him, not from a question.
It was one of the rare moments where he sounded like himself rather than a man bracing for impact.
A Manager Under Siege
Back in the room, he swatted away every pointed question.
Did he feel isolated? “You have to be ready for these situations as Real Madrid coach.”
Was he concerned about talk of replacements like Alvaro Arbeloa or Zinedine Zidane?
“When you’re the coach of Real you need to be ready.” Did he feel backed by the club? “Yes.”
Cracks Behind the Curtain
Everyone in Madrid knows Florentino Pérez spent much of Sunday night and early Monday discussing Alonso’s future.
Alonso’s relationships with several key players — notably Vinicius — are shaky.
The squad, used to more freedom under previous managers, isn’t thrilled about the intensity Alonso demands.
Add to that a growing injury list, including seven missing defenders, and it paints the picture of a coach walking a tightrope without much support.
A Job That Might Not Be Worth the Chaos
Alonso has already turned down past conversations with Liverpool.
Manchester City have admired him from afar.
And now Pep Guardiola — his old mentor from their Bayern Munich days — might be the one to deliver the final blow to his Madrid tenure.
“We’re United” — Or So He Says
Alonso insisted the team is together, that there is unity even if emotions are raw.
But the performance against Celta didn’t reflect much harmony.
He was furious about Fran García’s red card, followed by another dismissal for Alvaro Carreras.
Even Endrick was sent off without stepping onto the pitch.
Dani Carvajal looked ready to start a bar fight in the tunnel, and Jude Bellingham unloaded an expletive at the fourth official.
Headlines Madrid Hoped to Avoid
Monday’s newspapers were brutal. “Madrid Are Lost.”
“State of Crisis.” “The Worst Version of Madrid.” Pérez won’t have enjoyed any of it.
And many inside the club now believe Alonso may have crossed the point of no return with certain players.
Searching for Answers Before City Arrives
Some players, like Aurelien Tchouameni, publicly defended their manager, saying the tactical plan wasn’t the problem — the players were.
He called the upcoming match against Manchester City a chance to flip the momentum.
Alonso called it an opportunity too, though people in Madrid quietly think it’s the board, not the team, that will seize theirs first.
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