"Wednesday's Champions League match between Real Madrid and Manchester City was supposed to be billed as a meeting of two of the most prolific strikers on the planet - instead it has seemingly turned into a make-or-break tie for under-fire home boss Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard faced the media on Tuesday morning, following the weekend's limp defeat by Celta Vigo, bearing the haunted look of a man weighed down by the intense scrutiny accompanying arguably the biggest job in world football."
"In an often awkward pre-match news conference, Alonso managed to keep his composure when fielding questions about his possible replacements, on whether he felt lonely in the job and if he was disappointed in the players. A pointed moment came when he was asked whether he felt supported by the team and he simply replied: "Yes." BBC Sport's Guillem Balague says Alonso's chances of survival are "slim" and there are suggestions the manager has lost the dressing room."
Real Madrid face Manchester City in a Champions League tie that has become a potential make-or-break for under-pressure manager Xabi Alonso. Alonso appeared haunted after a limp home defeat by Celta Vigo and faced awkward questions about replacements, loneliness and player disappointment, replying "Yes" when asked if he felt supported. Reports and BBC Sport commentary suggest his survival chances are slim and that he may have lost the dressing room, while former defender Jonathan Woodgate defended him and urged patience. Mounting injury problems include Kylian Mbappe doubtful and several defenders ruled out, while home fans jeered at half-time.
Read at www.bbc.com
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