Serious questions have been raised about Xabi Alonso’s project at Real Madrid in recent days, and it is clear that the situation is anything but favourable to the manager’s ideas.
Several factors contributed to the worry around Alonso, beginning from the sporting results of the team in recent weeks to how early on in his project he is facing such resistance.
That, coupled with the fact that a big part of the opposition has come from within the dressing room, makes the situation very concerning.
Ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League game, however, Alonso openly confirmed having the administration’s backing and this sent out a loud and clear message as to who is in charge of the team.
As relayed by AS, it was the Real Madrid board’s idea to send out a message directly through Alonso, not only to the media but also to the dressing room which has turned against the manager in recent days.
"It’s not necessary. I spoke with the president this morning and I also spoke with Jose Ángel. Our daily interactions are what keep us in touch," Alonso said, making it clear that he had a positive meeting with the administration.
His words come as a strong message to the voices within the dressing room who have moved against him in recent days, exactly as planned by the president, and puts the spotlight on the players instead.
The Real Madrid hierarchy felt it was time to put an end to the rumours about Alonso’s future and make it clear to everyone, starting with the players themselves, that Xabi Alonso was in charge and that he will continue to be.
They believed the best way to make this public was through a press conference with the manager himself.
All eyes will now be on the likes of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes and Endrick, who are reportedly not happy with Alonso, to show that they can move past the issues and prioritise the team.
A failure to do so, after all, will leave them with neither the backing of the manager nor the administration and throw their future into jeopardy.