The writing is on the wall for Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, and it's hard to see him staying in charge of the team beyond their Champions League exit against Manchester City. The defeat was not catastrophic by any means, but for a coach like Alonso who has been tasked with leading the mighty Los Blancos to yet another European title, anything less than a knockout is seen as failure.
In fact, it's become clear that Alonso's tactics and approach are no longer cutting it in the high-stakes world of club football. Despite having some big-name players at his disposal, he's been outmaneuvered by Manchester City on multiple occasions, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning whether he has what it takes to lead a team of this caliber.
The loss to City serves as just another chapter in Alonso's narrative arc as Real Madrid manager, one that is slowly but surely coming to an end. With the team struggling to make an impact in the Champions League, and with the pressure mounting from all sides, it's difficult to see how Alonso can regain control of the situation.
As Arsenal continue to build momentum under their new management, while Newcastle are on a hot streak in Leverkusen, Real Madrid are left to ponder what could have been. For Xabi Alonso, though, it's time to take stock and consider his future at the Bernabeu. Can he rally his troops and lead them back into contention? Or is it time for him to hang up his managerial hat and pass on the torch to a new generation of Real Madrid coaches?
In fact, it's become clear that Alonso's tactics and approach are no longer cutting it in the high-stakes world of club football. Despite having some big-name players at his disposal, he's been outmaneuvered by Manchester City on multiple occasions, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning whether he has what it takes to lead a team of this caliber.
The loss to City serves as just another chapter in Alonso's narrative arc as Real Madrid manager, one that is slowly but surely coming to an end. With the team struggling to make an impact in the Champions League, and with the pressure mounting from all sides, it's difficult to see how Alonso can regain control of the situation.
As Arsenal continue to build momentum under their new management, while Newcastle are on a hot streak in Leverkusen, Real Madrid are left to ponder what could have been. For Xabi Alonso, though, it's time to take stock and consider his future at the Bernabeu. Can he rally his troops and lead them back into contention? Or is it time for him to hang up his managerial hat and pass on the torch to a new generation of Real Madrid coaches?