Real Madrid secured a much-needed 2-1 victory against Alavés on Sunday, but the win does little to alleviate the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso. With only two wins in their last eight matches—one in LaLiga and another in the UEFA Champions League—Alonso’s position has become increasingly precarious. The return of star player Kylian Mbappé, who scored his 26th goal in just 22 appearances, alongside a revitalized partnership between Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, offered a glimmer of hope. Additionally, 19-year-old youth-team product Víctor Valdepeñas made a successful debut, which should have calmed the storm surrounding the team.
Despite the positive result, reactions from the Spanish media suggest that merely winning is not enough for Alonso to retain his position. Analysts have noted a lack of enthusiasm about the team’s performance, particularly in the second half. According to a report by Luis Nieto in Diario AS, “it’s impossible to say how long Xabi Alonso will cling to his position, but the match at Mendizorroza, result aside, won’t help his chances.” Similar sentiments were echoed by Marca’s Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa, who emphasized the pressure Alonso faces after every setback.
Alonso’s challenges are compounded by injuries and suspensions affecting nine first-team players, including Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga. Without a full squad, expectations for attractive and dominant football have become increasingly unrealistic. The club’s president, Florentino Pérez, has not publicly stated the survival criteria for Alonso, but insiders suggest that any slip-up in upcoming fixtures could seal his fate.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid’s next matches are crucial. A Copa del Rey clash against lowly third-division side Talavera on Wednesday, followed by LaLiga encounters against Sevilla and Real Betis, will test Alonso’s ability to navigate a turbulent period. If he can lead his team to victory in the upcoming Spanish Supercopa from January 7 to 11, with potential matchups against Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, he may find some breathing room until the end of the season. A failure to secure a trophy, however, could lead to his dismissal.
The potential candidates to replace Alonso raise further questions. The dream option for many fans is Zinedine Zidane, who has an illustrious history with the club as both player and coach. Yet, Zidane is reportedly focused on taking over the French national team after the FIFA World Cup next summer, making a midseason return unlikely. Next in line is Jürgen Klopp, who has expressed commitment to his current role with Red Bull and personal commitments that may prevent him from taking on the Real Madrid job.
Another option is Álvaro Arbeloa, a controversial figure and successful youth coach at Madrid. While Arbeloa has garnered support from certain segments of the fanbase, his past as a player under José Mourinho has made him a polarizing figure. Critics, including radio commentator Antonio Romero, have called Arbeloa overhyped and questioned his qualifications to lead a high-pressure environment like Madrid.
The landscape of coaching at Real Madrid has evolved, with a clear divide between tactical specialists and those skilled in player management. Past coaches like Rafa Benítez and Julen Lopetegui struggled due to their micromanaging styles, lasting only a few months. In contrast, leaders like Vicente del Bosque, Carlo Ancelotti, and Zidane succeeded by fostering player relationships rather than focusing solely on tactics.
As the club faces these significant challenges, the future of Xabi Alonso hangs in the balance. Real Madrid’s leadership must decide whether to maintain stability or risk a change that might not yield immediate results. The upcoming matches will be critical not only for Alonso’s career but also for the club’s ambitions in both domestic and international competitions. The pressure is on, and with Florentino Pérez observing closely, the stakes have never been higher.
