LaLiga

Real Madrid Are Fighting For Xabi Alonso: Courtois Defends Under-Fire Coach After Man City Defeat

Real Madrid fans are frustrated, critics are circling, and pressure is rising — but inside the dressing room, the story is very different. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has come out strongly in defence of manager Xabi Alonso, insisting the team is “united” and “fighting to change this dynamic” after their 2-1 Champions League defeat to Manchester City.

The loss was Madrid’s second at the Bernabéu in just three days — a rare and worrying moment for a club that prides itself on dominance at home.

Madrid’s Confidence Shaken After Back-To-Back Home Defeats

The atmosphere inside the Bernabéu on Wednesday night was tense. Madrid had just lost 2-0 to Celta Vigo in La Liga, and falling again — this time to Manchester City — poured fuel on the fire.

Rodrygo opened the scoring for Los Blancos, ending a personal drought and raising hope. But those hopes faded fast as City responded with goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland, whose penalty gave the Premier League champions full control of the match.

When the final whistle blew, frustration rippled across the stadium. But Courtois stepped forward with a clear message:

“We showed today that we are a united team, that we support the coach, and that we are all fighting to change this dynamic.”

Courtois Rejects Rumours Of A Divided Dressing Room

Despite the poor results, Courtois made it clear that there is no internal crisis. He dismissed suggestions that the squad is losing faith in Alonso’s methods, saying the players remain committed to turning things around.

Madrid have won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions — a slump that has seen them drop to second in La Liga and seventh in the Champions League standings. It’s unfamiliar territory for a club that recently lifted its 15th European title.

But Courtois insists the players are as determined as ever:

“Everyone here will support the coach with all our heart.”

Fans Are Angry — And Courtois Understands Why

Courtois did not shy away from acknowledging the frustration from the home crowd. Back-to-back losses at the Bernabéu are enough to unsettle any fan base.

“I understand the anger after a run like this,” he admitted. “But we reacted on the pitch and did everything possible.”

Madrid created chances late in the match and Courtois himself came up with a crucial double save to keep the scoreline close. But it wasn’t enough to overturn City’s control of the game.

Injuries And Rotations Add To Madrid’s Struggles

Real Madrid’s issues are not purely tactical.
Injuries have disrupted Alonso’s plans, with Kylian Mbappé still nursing a knee concern — one that kept him on the bench throughout the match. That left Madrid relying on an attacking trio of Rodrygo, Vinicius Júnior, and Gonzalo García.

The demanding fixture schedule isn’t helping either, with crucial Champions League games against Monaco and Benfica coming in January. Madrid remain inside the top eight qualification spots on 12 points, but their margin for error has shrunk.

Alonso Still Has The Dressing Room — And Courtois Just Proved It

In a moment where many managers feel isolated, Courtois’ words matter.
He is one of the leaders of the squad, and his public support sends a message:

Real Madrid are struggling — but they are not collapsing.
And Xabi Alonso still has his players behind him.

Whether the results will start to match that loyalty remains the big question.


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