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New Delhi: Under-pressure Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso insisted that things can change quickly in football ahead of the club's crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City on Wednesday midnight.
Los Blancos have won just two games out of their last seven across all competitions. They suffered a big 2-0 defeat against 10th-placed Celta Vigo on Sunday in La Liga. After the match, the Spanish media reported that Alonso might be sacked if his side endures a defeat against Manchester City.
"This is a team, a club, we are united, and when you’re Real Madrid coach, you have to be ready to face these situations calmly, with unity and responsibility," Alonso told reporters Tuesday.
He further added that he's really looking forward to what's coming, and that starts with Manchester City. The manager also said that they can change the current situation with aggression and excitement.
"For good or bad, things can change quickly in football, your perspective can change, and we’re in that moment," Alonso added. Madrid delivered a strong performance under Alonso last week to beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at San Mames, before failing at home against Celta.
Alonso said that he's convinced that his team can beat City, and they are mentally ready for the Champions League clash. He further said that they have to play with good speed and intensity.
The Real Madrid coach further added that he has the full support of the players ahead of the important fixture, which is also reflected in the words of the midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. He said that the coach had a good plan, and if they play at their level, they have a better chance to win games like that.
"If we lose 2-0, it means we’ve had a problem on the pitch, intensity, and technical errors. So it’s not the fault of the coach, we have to improve and we will," Tchouameni added.
Real Madrid are currently placed in the second spot in the La Liga points table, four points behind league leaders Barcelona.
