Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Bernabeu ended with coach Xabi Alonso exchanging a handshake with Pep Guardiola before leaving the pitch area. The result did not remove the team from the top eight in the standings, but the reaction from supporters raised concerns about the coach’s standing if results do not improve.
Real Madrid supporters booed the team during the second half, a response that could weigh on the club if similar scenes continue. Jude Bellingham, a leading figure in the squad despite being 22 years old, spoke to the media after the match and acknowledged the fans’ frustration.
“I understand the fans frustration, We’re fortunate enough to play for the biggest club in the world, they’ve seen the best players in the history, Won the biggest trophies more than anyone else, they pay a lot of money to come and watch us, support the team if they wanna express their feelings like that the that’s how they’re gonna do it.”
Bellingham also stressed the players’ need to stay composed and to work on the issues identified by the coaching staff.
“It’s down to us as professionals as players to stay neutral emotionally…We try to break down where it’s gone wrong and try and to improve.”
Jude Bellingham
Since a run of three draws in La Liga in November, Alonso and the squad have held constructive talks on remedies. The next fixture is away to Alaves, a team that sits in mid table and has recently troubled Barcelona. Real Madrid then face Sevilla in the league and a Copa del Rey tie at home to Talavera, who compete in the third tier.
Those three matches will be closely watched. A positive set of results would ease pressure on Alonso, while further poor outcomes are likely to increase scrutiny of his future at the club.
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