"It's a different kind of pressure. Here you can win matches, and nobody will be happy. There are few clubs like that. Also, if you draw or lose, which has happened lately, the reactions are different because the club isn't used to this and the criticism increases. You always need results, but I'm convinced that Xabi is a very good coach and that he has the quality to manage in Madrid; we just have to give him time."
"But we all know what Real Madrid means, Xabi first and foremost, and he knew what could happen before signing here."
Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso as head coach before the Club World Cup and have experienced a turbulent start with mixed results. The team sit second in LaLiga at the winter break, four points behind Barcelona, after an initial six-match winning run was followed by fluctuating form. Madrid reached the Club World Cup semi-finals and were knocked out by PSG. The Opta supercomputer rates Madrid as 19.5% title chances versus Barcelona's 76.8%. Reports of unrest with some players emerged but appear resolved. Toni Kroos calls for time and confidence in Alonso despite the pressure.
Read at Soccer News
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