Xabi Alonso is fighting for his job at Real Madrid after reportedly losing the dressing room.
A crunch Champions League showdown against Manchester City will determine his future.
According to Spanish outlet El Mundo, Madrid’s hierarchy held an emergency meeting in the early hours of Monday morning following a damaging 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo.
They nearly decided to dismiss him, but eventually settled on a verdict. Defeat to City on Wednesday will end his short reign.
If Alonso leaves, Madrid will consider turning to former boss Zinedine Zidane or Jurgen Klopp to steady the ship.
Zidane knows the club well, but he is on the cusp of securing his dream job as manager of the France national team with Didier Deschamps poised to step down after the 2026 World Cup.
He could take charge temporarily until the end of the season before Madrid appoint another permanent manager.
That could be Klopp, even though he is currently enjoying a non-coaching role with Red Bull. The possibility of handling Los Blancos could entice him.
Alonso only took charge in the summer after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure and was backed heavily in the transfer market, particularly to reinforce an ageing defence.
Expectations of dominance quickly followed, especially with Kylian Mbappe carrying on his stellar form from last season.
However, Madrid’s season has unravelled. Despite racing into an early La Liga lead, they have won just one of their last five matches.
Los Blancos have gone from holding a five-point lead over Barcelona to trailing their arch-rivals by four in a little over a month.
Sunday’s loss to Celta in front of a furious Bernabeu crowd proved to be the tipping point. The players do not have faith in Alonso’s methods.
Several key Madrid stars, including Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, are struggling with form, forcing the hierarchy into a corner.
Alonso’s bid to steady the ship has not been helped by the loss of Eder Militao, who has reportedly torn his hamstring.
The Brazilian defender is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines, and his absence could force Madrid back into the market for a centre-half.
