Real Madrid vs. Manchester City: Xabi Alonso Under Pressure as Giants Face Off in Champions League Battle

The pressure is mounting on Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso as his team prepares to face Manchester City in a crucial Champions League match. The Spanish giants have been struggling recently, winning just two of their last seven matches in all competitions. This slump includes a recent 2-0 defeat at home against Celta Vigo, which has intensified the scrutiny on Alonso.

Adding to Alonso's worries are reports in the Spanish media suggesting he has lost control of the locker room. However, Alonso has denied these claims, stating, "This is a team, and we all stand together". Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's unity and the need for everyone to pull in the same direction.

Real Madrid also faces injury concerns, with several key players sidelined. Eder Militao, David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen and Ferland Mendy are all on the injured list. To compound matters, Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras received red cards in the game against Celta Vigo. There are also doubts over the availability of Kylian Mbappé, who reportedly has a left leg issue and trained separately from the team on Tuesday. Despite suffering a cut above his eye, Jude Bellingham is expected to play against Manchester City.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed sympathy for Alonso, who he coached as a player at Bayern Munich. Guardiola acknowledged the challenges of managing clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, stating, "Barcelona and Real Madrid are the toughest clubs to be manager of because of the environment... It's a difficult place but he knows it — it's the reality of being here".

Despite the challenges, Alonso remains focused on the upcoming match. He has insisted that his team needs to react and "get rid of this bad taste" following the defeat to Celta Vigo. Alonso stated that the Champions League game is an "opportunity" to show another side. He has also downplayed concerns about his future, stating that he is only focused on the next game.

Real Madrid and Manchester City have a rich history in the Champions League, having faced each other 14 times since their first meeting in 2012-13. Real Madrid has won five matches, Manchester City has won four, and there have been five draws. Real Madrid defeated Guardiola's side home and away last season.

Other Champions League matches on Wednesday include Paris Saint-Germain against Athletic Bilbao, Arsenal against Club Brugge, and Napoli against Benfica.