There Is ‘Unity’ At Real Madrid, Alonso Insists

Real Madrid are “all together” from the dressing room to the boardroom as they bid to halt a poor run of form, says under-pressure coach Xabi Alonso.

Former Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso, who has not ruled out a future move to the Premier League, was appointed by Real in the summer to replace Carlo Ancelotti on a three-year deal.

He is seemingly already clinging to his job after six months.

Real suffered a 2-0 home loss against Celta Vigo on Sunday and are on a run of one victory in five La Liga games, slipping four points behind leaders Barcelona.

They host Premier League side Manchester City in the league phase of the Champions League on Wednesday, when 15-time European champions Real will be aiming to put an end to recent troubles.

“We are all on the same boat,” said Alonso in a pre-match news conference. “We have to go through positive and negative times.

“We need to believe the next game is an opportunity and tomorrow we have a very exciting game for all of us, and we need to keep our eyes open to have that energy so the Bernabeu enjoys what it sees.

“That emotional bond is very important tomorrow.”