Spain, Madrid – Xabi Alonso, the manager of Real Madrid, commented on the loss to Manchester City in the Champions League and his future with the team.
Real Madrid fell into the trap of defeat against Manchester City at their home ground, the Santiago Bernabeu, in the sixth round of the Champions League.
Alonso said in comments after the match, as reported by Mundo Deportivo: “None of us blame ourselves for anything, we tried until the end”.
He added: “We started the game very well, and we took the lead, but there are moments when any setback is more painful, and that’s what happened”.
He added: “They came out on top within 10 minutes, from a corner kick, and from a penalty kick, when the game was serious and competitive, but we conceded a goal, and we didn’t control those situations well. Then the team tried until the end, and we had chances, but we lacked the final touch to score a goal, and I have nothing to blame anyone for”.
He continued: “When you are in a critical moment, not only in terms of our performance, but also considering what we have been through, and the injuries we are currently suffering from, you feel less cohesive. And that is what allowed them to come back so quickly”.
He continued: “In matches like these, you shouldn’t concede too many goals, and we did, but that was enough for them to turn the game around. Then, when things don’t go your way, you still have chances, some in the second half to score, but we didn’t take advantage of them”.
Regarding the boos from the crowd
He explained: “We went through many moments, some of which were met with enthusiastic applause and great encouragement until the end. We did our best. Obviously, we are not satisfied with our current performance, but I have no one to blame. I never blame the fans, because they have seen a lot and know a lot about this. And I don’t blame the players today either”.
Regarding his hug with Rodrygo, he said: “I am very happy for him, because he was going through a difficult period, and he wasn’t playing much, and today Rodrygo was fantastic. He played excellently, had a great impact on the course of the match, and scored that goal, which is very important for him. The fact that we were able to see him play is one of the best things that happened today. Then there is the support of the fans and the team. All of this is there. Together we will turn things around. I am grateful for that”.
Regarding his future with Real Madrid after the defeat, Alonso concluded his remarks: “I’m only worried about the next match. What’s important here is Real Madrid. The team, the players, and how I can help them. It’s not about me”.
