Key Takeaways:
- Xabi Alonso has secured two vital wins as Real Madrid manager but still faces uncertainty over his role ahead of the Sevilla fixture
- Alonso declined to evaluate his own performance or assign a grade for the season, stating assessments should be reserved for the end of the campaign
- Fitness updates are limited, with some key players returning to training while Fede Valverde missed the latest session due to injury and illness
Alonso’s Position Under Increased Scrutiny
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has maintained that it is not the appropriate moment to judge his performance at the club, as questions regarding his future persist. The Spaniard, formerly manager of Bayer Leverkusen, continues to be pressed on the board’s faith in him, especially with a crucial match against Sevilla looming that could determine his tenure at the Bernabeu.
Reports in Spain suggest that the Real Madrid hierarchy have outlined a clear set of requirements to retain his position – demanding victories against Alaves, Talavera de la Reina, and Sevilla. While Alonso has already overseen wins in two of those matches, performances have failed to convince observers, leaving his job status in doubt. Asked directly about his relationship with senior club figures and whether he still enjoys their confidence, Alonso responded:
🗣 Xabi Alonso: "Club support? From the beginning, we have had a close relationship, based on respect and affection. The demands are extremely high. It's a long road, there will be good times and not-so-good times." pic.twitter.com/i1UPU7tSbE
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 19, 2025
“From the first moment, from the first conversations we’ve had a relationship of respect, affection, trust, knowing that the objectives that we have, the demands are huge. But it’s a long road, there will be good moments, less good moments, but we’re hoping to finish the year well.”
Focus Remains on Season’s Outcomes
The Real Madrid coach was pressed to grade his own progress so far this season but refused to be drawn, reiterating that the team’s immediate focus must be on winning.
“The first thing is to win. And the grades are for the end of the season. We’re only at the halfway point, it’s not the time to evaluate things. In addition, it’s not up to be to give myself grades.”
Amid recent media scrutiny regarding his personal morale, Alonso appeared untroubled by the ongoing speculation and frequent press engagements:
“I’m fine, I hope you are too. We see each other a lot… We’re eager and full of energy, and we want to finish this block strong so we can go into the break feeling relaxed. With strength and determination, with the strength of the team.”
“It’s part of the job, I don’t come here to suffer. These things have always happened. In this job there are all kinds of moments. It’s not a problem at all.”
Unity Throughout the Club
Amid ongoing speculation about his job security and alleged lack of support from the club hierarchy, Alonso was adamant that the club remained united:
“Real Madrid, we know we’re always aiming for everything. We know what the final objective is. How we want to get there, and how we want to build, is fundamental. We’re all united, from top to bottom, from the president to the players, all the people working on it. The effort we’re putting in is beyond question.”
Squad News Ahead of Sevilla Clash
Real Madrid’s preparations for the Sevilla encounter at 21:00 CEST at the Bernabeu included the returns of Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga to training, making them potential candidates for selection. However, the squad’s health remains in flux, with Fede Valverde absent from Friday’s session due to an ankle complaint coupled with flu symptoms. Alonso offered limited insight on player availability, stating:
“Yes, there are players who have trained today, and there will be some that we see how they do in training tomorrow. I can’t give anything away, but we hope everyone is back, and bit by bit we’re getting players back.”
