Real Madrid were sitting pretty just a few months ago, but their hot start to the 2025/26 season has begun to show cracks.
New manager Xabi Alonso, hired in the summer to replace Carlo Ancelotti, had led Madrid to the top of the domestic standings and near the top of the UEFA Champions League table as well.
However, things have gone awry. Madrid were beaten 2-0 by Celta Vigo on December 7, leaving them with just two wins in their last six matches across all competitions.
They are dealing with a litany of injuries, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, and Dean Huijsen all cropping up with fitness issues that will hamper the defensive line for the next few weeks. Players have become disgruntled, while others have shown disciplinary weaknesses of late.
It all means Alonso could be entering the 'last chance saloon' against Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
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Will Real Madrid sack Xabi Alonso?
Multiple reports on Monday indicated that Alonso is under serious pressure at Real Madrid.
According to The Athletic, club leadership met following Saturday's defeat to Celta Vigo to discuss the situation.
The report states: "Although the board does not believe Alonso is solely to blame for the situation, they are unhappy with the team's image and recent results."
While much of the club's turmoil has to do with results on the field, there has also been concern about their image off the pitch. There have been a number of dressing-room issues to begin this season, including Vinicius Jr's complaints about playing time, as well as recent red cards.
While Alonso may not be sacked just yet, he is clearly pushing the limits of his position.
Last chance for Xabi Alonso against Man City
Many reports have claimed that Alonso would be under real threat of being sacked if Real Madrid do not secure three points in Wednesday's match against Manchester City in Champions League play.
According to The Athletic, following the executive meeting, "none of the sources around the club consulted by The Athletic for this article felt confident in saying Alonso would still be in charge if Madrid were also beaten by Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday."
While that's not an ultimatum, it could be regarded as close to such.
STREAM: Watch Alonso's decisive game against Man City LIVE on Paramount+ (US only)
Why might Real Madrid sack Xabi Alonso?
Los Blancos held a five-point lead atop the La Liga table after a 2-1 Clasico win in late October, but by early December they have squandered that advantage. They now sit four points behind Barcelona after 16 matches, with Villarreal right on their heels in third.
They are in good position in the Champions League league phase and are in position for knockout-stage bye, but the top of the table is crowded and defeat to Manchester City could harm their standing greatly.
There has also been general turmoil around the club. Alonso's rotation has angered Vinicius Jr and left the Brazilian upset about his decrease in playing time.
Alonso's leadership has also been called into question as the team commits individual errors and shows ill discipline, with three players shown red cards against Celta Vigo, including one from the bench.
Injuries and poor form have also taken their toll, which is beyond Alonso's control, but these have exacerbated problems around how the team is performing.
There are also issues between Alonso and his players. As The Athletic states: "There is concern that a significant part of the dressing room does not have a good connection with the coach and his ideas."
Next Real Madrid coach candidates
If Real Madrid do make a move, there are a few names for them to consider.
First and foremost, Los Blancos would reportedly love to have Zinedine Zidane back in charge. There is a coveted air about the Frenchman for his enormous success at the club, not only in winning Champions League titles as a manager in the past, but also for his starring role as a player between 2001 and 2006.
However, Zidane has long coveted the France national-team job and is considered the frontrunner to take over once Didier Deschamps steps down at the end of the 2026 World Cup.
If Zidane does not take over on a season-long basis, the club could turn to Alvaro Arbeloa, a former player who now coaches the Madrid reserve team. Arbeloa was a candidate for the position when Alonso was hired, and is highly regarded according to many reports.
Spanish publication El Mundo reported that Jurgen Klopp could be an option, but more reputable sources including The Athletic claim that Klopp is unwilling to re-enter management and is happy with his executive role at Red Bull, which matches with his public stance as well.