In the just-concluded Champions League match of this round, Real Madrid lost 1-2 to Manchester City at home after being reversed.
Xabi Alonso's position as Real Madrid head coach is already precarious, and every upcoming game is likely to be a crucial test for him.
In Real Madrid's 1-2 home defeat to Manchester City, the team showed a significant improvement in attitude, but this failed to help them secure victory. In recent matches, the apparent rapport seemingly established between the coach and players has not helped Real Madrid regain their rhythm or desired physical fitness. Even though Real Madrid gave their all, they still struggled to overcome a Manchester City side that is no longer at its peak.
Over the past few weeks, Real Madrid has concluded through analysis that the team's current physical condition is far from satisfactory. This has become a decisive factor affecting match results and dragging down performance, with the problem worsening over time.
In this grim situation, Real Madrid's senior management has made their stance clear: Alonso must win and secure three points in the upcoming match against Alavés, followed by consecutive victories—including the season finale against Sevilla at the end of the year. The management's doubts have persisted for two weeks, and the cruel results now will be the key factor in deciding whether to end the wait for Alonso to turn things around and make a direct decision to replace him.
Currently, what Alonso and the players have displayed on the pitch is far from sufficient. Beyond losing matches, what frustrates the management most is the fans' public dissatisfaction with the team's performance. The importance of this weekend's away game against Alavés is self-evident, and the real test has become a "series of crucial exams"—the management's trust in Alonso has already turned red.
Many fans still support Alonso's coaching. After last night's match, a Real Madrid fan was interviewed outside the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. He said: "The club must give Xabi Alonso time and patience. Who else can they hire? He is the best person for the job. We can't keep changing coaches frequently and become the next Manchester United."
