Bellingham backs under-fire Alonso after Real Madrid’s latest Champions League setback
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has thrown his support behind manager Xabi Alonso, insisting the squad remain “fully united” behind the embattled coach despite growing pressure following their 2–1 defeat to Manchester City at the Bernabéu.
Alonso’s position has been the subject of intense scrutiny in Spain after a string of underwhelming domestic results and a Champions League campaign that has struggled to ignite. Wednesday’s loss surrendering a lead given by Rodrygo before goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland turned the match around has only intensified speculation over his future.
Speaking after the game, Bellingham dismissed talk of unrest, stressing that the players take responsibility for the club’s recent dip.
“We’re all behind the manager there’s no question about that,” he said. “We know the results haven’t been good enough, but nobody is hiding, nobody is switching off. It’s on us to respond.”
The England star admitted Madrid have struggled to manage key moments, pointing to a recurring pattern of conceding during periods where the team should be in control.
“When games get tough, we’re not dealing with it the way Madrid teams should,” he added. “That has to change, and we believe we can fix it together.”
Rodrygo, who celebrated his first-half goal by embracing Alonso on the touchline, echoed Bellingham’s sentiments. The Brazilian labeled much of the external noise surrounding the manager as “inaccurate” and insisted the dressing room remains aligned.
Alonso, hired in the summer after an exceptional spell with Bayer Leverkusen, has maintained a calm stance despite the pressure. Post-match, the Spaniard reiterated that his focus remains solely on preparing the team for their upcoming league fixture at Alavés.
“My future doesn’t depend on me,” Alonso said. “What I can control is how we approach the next match.”
Madrid’s defeat leaves them searching for stability at a crucial stage of the season, with rivals Barcelona maintaining their advantage in the league. Still, Bellingham believes the campaign is far from lost.
“This run doesn’t define us,” he said. “We have the quality and the mentality to turn it around.”
The club’s hierarchy is expected to monitor the situation closely over the coming days, though insiders insist no immediate decision has been made regarding Alonso’s position.
For now, Real Madrid’s players have delivered a clear message: their manager still has the dressing room now they need the results to match.
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