Xabi Alonso is under pressure at Real Madrid, with the former Liverpool midfielder's future at the Santiago Bernabeu in doubt
Isaac Seelochan Senior Sports Journalist
20:50, 12 Dec 2025
Xabi Alonso
View 3 Images
Xabi Alonso's position could be in jeopardy(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso is feeling the heat at Real Madrid, amidst speculation about his managerial future. The pressure comes as Liverpool's current manager, Arne Slot, also faces scrutiny amid a less-than-stellar season.
Both managers are enduring a rough patch with their respective teams. However, Slot will be hoping that Tuesday night's 1-0 Champions League victory over Inter can serve as a catalyst for improvement.
Alonso was not so fortunate, witnessing his side suffer a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City in their Champions League encounter. This means the Spanish heavyweights have only managed two wins in their last eight matches.
Arne Slot got one over on Xabi Alonso this season when Liverpool beat Real Madrid - but the Spaniard is being tipped to replace the underfire Reds head coach
View 3 Images
Arne Slot got one over on Xabi Alonso this season when Liverpool beat Real Madrid - but the Spaniard is being tipped to replace the underfire Reds head coach(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Prior to the game, some Spanish media outlets suggested that the match against Man City could be Alonso's swansong if he didn't secure a win. Whether this proves true remains to be seen.
However, it underscores the immense pressure that comes with managing top-tier clubs. Speaking to Betfair, former Premier League forward Alan Shearer said: "I wouldn't talk about someone being sacked who is still in a job. What I'd say with Real Madrid, Alonso knows more than anyone because he's played there.
"When you think about big club scrutiny over in England, for Real Madrid and Barcelona, the pressure is four, maybe five times more than it is any club over here in England.
Xabi Alonso
View 3 Images
Xabi Alonso is under rising pressure at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
"If you've only won two from eight, you run the risk of losing your job - particularly at those two football clubs."
Despite the setback of the defeat to City, Alonso has received support from Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham. In conversation with TNT Sports, he remarked: "I personally have a great relationship with him and I know a lot of the boys do too.
"After that run of draws, we had some great conversations internally and felt we'd put that form behind us before the last couple of games. No one is downing tools, no one complaining or moaning. We take it on the chin and keep fighting.
"We're still trying to work it out within the changing room regardless of what goes on outside. We know that's not helpful. One thing is how we're managing games. Certain points where we have to suffer it feels like we always concede and it puts us on the back foot and makes us have to play a way we don't want to.
"But in the changing room we have what we need to turn it around, we need maybe a bit of luck or maybe something we need to discuss internally. I have faith this season isn't over just because we're in a bad run of form."
This summer witnessed Trent Alexander-Arnold secure a transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid, but having recovered from a hamstring problem, the defender now confronts another spell out injured following a muscle tear. Alexander-Arnold has been absent for the previous two matches.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will aim to alleviate the pressure on Slot this weekend when they face Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield. Forward Mohamed Salah is set to be included in the squad after having a frank discussion with Slot.
Article continues below
The Egyptian was omitted from the travelling team against Inter following an interview in which he accused the club of scapegoating him. He also discussed his worsening relationship with the Liverpool manager.
Ahead of the match, Liverpool currently sit in 10th place in the Premier League table, trailing leaders Arsenal by 10 points.