Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso continues to receive strong backing from his players despite the club’s latest setback — a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu on Thursday (Dec 11, 2025). The reassurance came directly from star midfielder Jude Bellingham, who dismissed any notion of a divided dressing room or waning belief in their head coach.
The loss deepened Madrid’s current crisis at home. It was their second consecutive defeat at the Bernabéu, following a disappointing 0-2 loss to Celta Vigo in La Liga the previous weekend. The pressure on Alonso, who has faced scrutiny throughout the season due to inconsistent results, has now intensified.
Bellingham played the full match and had several chances to score, but Real Madrid ultimately failed to hold onto their early lead as Manchester City mounted a late comeback. The result not only jeopardizes Madrid’s position in the Champions League group but also fuels ongoing speculation about Alonso’s future.
Spanish media reported throughout the week that Alonso could be removed from his position if he failed to deliver a positive result against City. Rumors of internal tension and a divided squad also emerged ahead of the match.
But Bellingham quickly shut down that narrative.
“100 Percent Behind the Manager”
Speaking after the match, the England international firmly defended his coach and emphasized that the players remain united behind Alonso’s leadership.
When asked whether he wanted the Spanish tactician to stay in charge, Bellingham responded without hesitation.
“A hundred percent. The manager has been unbelievable. I personally have a great relationship with him, and I know many of the other players feel the same way,” Bellingham told TNT Sports, as quoted by The Sun.
The 22-year-old explained that the squad had already addressed their recent slump through internal discussions and believed they were on the right track before the loss to Manchester City.
“After those draws earlier in the season, we had some very honest conversations inside the team. We felt we had moved past that period. No one has given up, no one has complained. We accepted the situation and kept working,” he added.
Bellingham’s public vote of confidence sends a strong message to Real Madrid’s hierarchy: the dressing room remains firmly behind Alonso, regardless of the noise outside the club.
Madrid Still Searching for Answers
Despite the unity within the squad, Bellingham acknowledged that Real Madrid are still facing several performance-related issues. When asked what he believed to be the biggest problem the team needed to solve, the midfielder explained that their inconsistencies stem from multiple factors.
“There are a few things, to be honest. We’re still trying to find the answers,” Bellingham said.
He emphasized that constant criticism from outside the club has made things more challenging, urging everyone to stay focused on internal solutions.
“The noise from outside doesn’t help. For us, it’s about figuring things out inside the dressing room. One clear issue right now is how we manage matches — the tempo, the decision-making, the moments when we need to control the game,” he explained.
Despite the concerns, Bellingham insisted that Real Madrid still have the quality and leadership needed to bounce back.
“When you’re in the dressing room every day, working with the players we have and with the coach, you know the quality is there. We have everything we need to respond and come back stronger,” he said with confidence.
Alonso Under Pressure — but the Squad Stays Loyal
The defeat to Manchester City has undoubtedly placed Alonso under even heavier scrutiny, with speculation growing that Real Madrid’s board may intercede if results do not improve quickly. This is particularly important in a season where expectations are sky-high and the club’s ambition remains centered on both domestic and European success.
Yet, the strong statements of support from Bellingham — arguably the team’s most influential player this season — could play a vital role in shaping the club’s next steps.
Real Madrid have had turbulent managerial periods in the past, but history shows that the squad’s internal stability often determines how long a coach survives. Bellingham’s insistence that the team remains united could buy Alonso crucial time to turn things around.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid will need to respond quickly as the fixtures continue to pile up. The Champions League group remains tight, and with domestic form also fluctuating, the club faces a crucial stretch of the season.
However, if there is one clear takeaway from Bellingham’s post-match remarks, it is that the players are not ready to let Alonso go — and they believe they can still salvage their campaign despite recent setbacks.
As Madrid prepare for their next challenge, the spotlight will remain firmly on both Alonso and his players. Whether they can transform unity into results on the pitch may determine the direction of their season — and their manager’s future.
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