Xabi Alonso has been feeling the heat at Real Madrid for what feels like the entire season. The Spaniard returned to the Bernabeu in the summer as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement but has endured a difficult reign thus far.
Los Blancos have fallen behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race, sitting four points behind their El Clasico rivals after 19 games. They are seventh in the Champions League table, with 12 points from six games.
Alonso's first chance of trophy success comes in the Supercopa de Espana. His side are in the semi-finals but failure is set to mean he is dismissed.
Alonso's job is on the line
Diario AS reports that Madrid's higher-ups view the Supercopa as Alonso's 'final test.' If his men fail to win or impress with their performances he is expected to be sacked.
Alonso signed a three-year deal when he arrived in June 2025 and was tasked with replacing Ancelotti, who delivered huge success. He's under pressure to turn things around, starting against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final tomorrow (January 8th).
There have been several times this season when the 44-year-old's future has been said to be on the line. That was the case when Madrid met Manchester City in the Champions League in December.
City won 2-1 but Alonso remained in the job and his team, depleted by injuries, put in the type of performance that showed they are backing their manager. He'll be eager for them to not only better that display but also advance to the Supercopa final.
Real Madrid should give Alonso the season
Sacking Alonso in January feels hasty because he hasn't been without problems beyond his control. His handling of Kylian Mbappe raises question marks but constant injuries have proven a nightmare at the Bernabeu.
This should be a time of transition and with most managerial changes it takes time. Madrid are a club who enter a season expecting success but such was a difference in coaching from Ancelotti to Alonso that patience should be considered.
Alonso deserves at least a full season for the hierachy to make a decision as to whether he's the man they want driving the club into the future. You can then make key calls to back this such as bidding farewell to veteran players and swooping for desired signings.
The Spanish tactician made clear in the summer he wanted a new creative midfielder but the board didn't listen. He is trying to build the team in his image and needs the support to do so unless the campaign ends in unacceptable fashion then Florentino Perez will have no choice but to cut ties.