Desperate Moments for Xabi Alonso
“Fran, don’t mess with me!” This phrase was caught by cameras as Xabi Alonso faced a critical turning point in his managerial career during the intense match against Celta. The expulsion of the left-back, Fran García, after receiving two yellow cards within two minutes, shattered the hopes of the Real Madrid team. At the time, they were already trailing 0-1 and showed little offensive agility. With only one victory in the last five league matches, Alonso finds himself in a colossal crisis. He believes a single bad home game can happen, but insists that the situation is reversible.
Unity in Adversity
When asked about his resolve to continue as coach, Alonso responded affirmatively, stating, “United, we know we can turn this around. A bad game at home can occur, but we recognize the club’s expectations. Losses are painful, yet we see Wednesday as our best opportunity to bounce back,” he reflected in the press room.
A Chaotic Evening
Sunday’s match turned into chaos for both Real Madrid and Alonso. After an hour of disastrous play, the team became embroiled in disputes with the referee, and ended the game with two fewer players. A third player, Endrick, was also sent off for protesting.
Alonso voiced his frustration about the refereeing decisions, claiming, “The referee’s decisions disoriented us. The expulsion of Fran, along with the inconsistency in officiating, was excessively permissive… I did not like the referee’s performance.” He specifically criticized referee Alejandro Quintero for losing control during critical phases of the match.
Recent Form and League Position
Following a classic matchup on October 26, the Madrid team originally held a five-point lead over Barcelona. However, that advantage has dwindled to four points, as they have now lost nine points in just 40 days—a humiliating turn for a project that started the season with 13 wins in the first 14 matches.
“Everyone is frustrated because this wasn’t the outcome we desired. The injury to Militao has severely affected us, and we have struggled to regain our morale. We need to move on; it’s just three points, there’s plenty of league remaining, and we have the City match to respond,” Alonso remarked.
Concerns Over Militao’s Injury
Militao’s injury has been termed “very concerning” by the club, as it involves a hamstring issue that might keep him sidelined for several months. This adds to a growing list of injuries, including those of Carvajal, Huijsen, and Alaba. Alonso described this situation as bad news, emphasizing the team’s struggles with injuries, which have hindered their ability to adapt.
Attempts to Regroup
Following the expulsion of Fran García, the team’s reaction was somewhat tepid; they pressed for a brief period, and Mbappé came close to equalizing. However, Celta eventually sealed their victory in stoppage time, also with Carreras sent off. Alonso noted, “We performed better when we were down to ten men; the team pressured and worked hard. We are all upset and understand the fans’ frustration. This responsibility lies with us all.”
The Upcoming Challenge Against City
When asked about the implications of the upcoming match against City, Alonso was firm: “We’re just playing for three points.” This succinct response underscores the desperation within the club, as every match becomes crucial amid current struggles.
Refereeing Controversies
The match ended amid controversies, including three red cards issued to Madrid—two to field players and one to Endrick. According to the referee’s report, Carreras was expelled for commenting, “you’re terrible.” After the match, Carvajal, dressed casually, approached the referee to express discontent, stating, “the level you provide and then you complain in press conferences.”