Image Credits: Imago Images
Xabi Alonso finds himself under immense pressure as he prepares to lead Real Madrid against Athletic Club in La Liga on Wednesday.
With three consecutive draws in the league and just one win in their last five matches across all competitions, Los Blancos are in a precarious position.
Barcelona have already leapfrogged them in the table, and the gap at the top could extend to four points, with the Catalans set to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.
Amid the difficult run of form, murmurs have grown surrounding Alonso’s future at the club.
When asked whether he was worried about speculation regarding his job and doubts about his continuity, the Real Madrid manager insisted he was fully focused on the task at hand.
“My focus is on tomorrow’s game, preparing for it. There’s still a long way to go and everything is even,” Alonso said.
“There’s a lot left to play for and things can change a lot. We’re struggling, but that’s the reality.”
Xabi Alonso revealed that he has spoken with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and his players, insisting the club is fully focused on ‘turning results around’.
“I’ve spoken with [Florentino], the conversations and tone are positive,” he added.
“We want to turn the results around, and that’s what we’ve spoken about.
“The things we talked about are our football, the dressing room, the unity we need, and the things we have to improve to be more consistent in our play.
“That’s what concerns us, both the players and staff, how we can end this run in the league.
“Tomorrow we have a good opportunity.
“We are where we are in the table, in LaLiga and the Champions League.
“We live with the demands and criticism, at Real Madrid and at any football club, but we know where we are.
“We’re focused on winning games, to be where we want to be in April or May, competing for trophies.”
Read more: Predicted Liverpool team to face Sunderland
Sunderland injury latest ahead of Liverpool clash
Tottenham Hotspur intensify interest in Liverpool target
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.