Xabi Alonso is going through a difficult period at Real Madrid. Despite being first in La Liga, the coach is being criticized for the quality of play, which is considered poor and falls short of the promises made upon his arrival.

Tensions have reportedly escalated in the dressing room, particularly with the Brazilian contingent, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham, each for different reasons. Wednesday's Champions League match against Olympiacos could prove decisive for the Spaniard's future, as his decisions and management of the dressing room are under intense scrutiny.

In a press conference, Alonso sought to put things into perspective and defend his players: “I’m certainly not the first coach to have to deal with these situations. I think a lot about what Carlo (Ancelotti), Mou (José Mourinho), or Pellegrini (Manuel), the coaches I’ve had, would do. These aren’t new situations; we’re demanding, and self-criticism is necessary. We know where we want to go. I’m enjoying it. Managing great players? I’ve had to live with great players and great personalities; they’re demanding, and they’re true professionals. That’s the privilege of being at Real Madrid; you have people of that caliber, and you have to find a connection with them.” And when asked if the players had the power to fire a coach, he added: “You have to respect them. I’m not going to talk about that. ” I know what a locker room is like, what it's like to live through it, and how to get used to the noise outside. These are situations that shouldn't distract us. The results aren't what we expected, and we know the consequences, but we mustn't let that derail us from the path we want to follow. (...) I'm not paying attention to anything else; what worries me is what's happening at Valdebebas and tomorrow on the pitch.