Real Madrid are now two games without a win as they were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, coming a few days after their defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.
The performances in both games have left a lot to be desired and questions are being asked of Xabi Alonso, his staff, and the Real Madrid players.
Now, according to AS, Real Madrid maintain full confidence in both Xabi Alonso and the team, but there is also surprise an concern at how abruptly the team’s performances have dipped.
After all, in just two weeks, the Merengues have gone from the euphoria of victory over Barcelona in El Clasico to two disappointing displays.
There is concern over the team’s recent performances in their last two matches, though no alarm has been raised. The club have opted for caution and reflection in light of the contrasting displays seen over the past fortnight.
The concern is not so much about results or style of play, but rather that the dressing room has yet to fully grasp what Alonso wants at certain moments.
Confidence in both the coach and the squad is total, yet it has surprised many that the team seemed to lose focus so soon after overcoming the biggest setback of the previous campaign.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, officials remind everyone that Real Madrid remain league leaders, but they also recognise that the team have struggled to find the consistency and quality of play expected of them.
With two weeks until the next match – against Elche in La Liga – those at Valdebebas view this as a crucial period for both players and coaching staff to review their performance, analyse mistakes, and make corrections.