Under-pressure Alonso feels ‘unity’ at Real Madrid

Real Madrid are “all together in this” from the dressing room to the boardroom as they bid to halt a poor run of form, says under-pressure coach Xabi Alonso.

Former Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso, who has not ruled out a future move to the Premier League, was appointed by Real in the summer to replace Carlo Ancelotti on a three-year deal.

He is seemingly already clinging to his job after six months.

Real suffered a 2-0 home loss against Celta Vigo on Sunday and are on a run of one victory in five La Liga games, slipping four points behind leaders Barcelona.

They host Premier League side Manchester City in the league phase of the Champions League on Wednesday, when 15-time European champions Real will be aiming to put an end to recent troubles.

“We are all on the same boat,” said Alonso in a pre-match news conference. “We have to go through positive and negative times.

“We need to believe the next game is an opportunity and tomorrow we have a very exciting game for all of us, and we need to keep our eyes open to have that energy so the Bernabeu enjoys what it sees.

Last week, Alonso spoke with club president Florentino Perez as pressure built around his job.

BBC Sport’s Guillem Balague reports that Alonso’s chances of survival are “slim” and defeat against City in Europe could spell the end of his short spell.

Alonso says the board are being supportive.

Former midfield playmaker Alonso has not played for or managed an English club since leaving Liverpool for Real in 2009.

The Reds’ current boss Arne Slot is under pressure as the reigning champions have faltered this season, and star player Mohamed Salah gave an explosive interview at the weekend.

The 44-year-old Alonso remains a popular figure at Liverpool and left the door open when asked by BBC Sport if he would consider a return to work in the Premier League one day.

He said: “Of course there is a bond with my former club, but for now this is my place. In the future you never know what might happen.”