Real Madrid eye Zidane return while assessing Alonso’s position

December 9, 2025 Oliver Obel

Senior club figures remained at the stadium deep into the night, assessing the team’s trajectory and the mood inside the dressing room. Reports have suggested that some players are skeptical of Alonso’s leadership, contributing to the urgency of the talks.

No immediate decision was taken, but the tone of the discussions indicates that patience is thinning.

Match setback amplifies pressure

Earlier in the evening, Real Madrid suffered a 2–0 defeat to Celta Vigo in a match that deteriorated rapidly after halftime. Williot Swedberg scored twice, and Real’s situation worsened when Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras were shown red cards, leaving the team to finish with nine men.

The result leaves Madrid four points behind Barcelona and intensifies scrutiny of Alonso’s management.

Champions League becomes a pivotal test

While Alonso continues in his role, Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Manchester City is widely viewed inside the club as a critical moment. Madrid have been stronger in Europe, winning four of their first five fixtures, but the pressure surrounding domestic form means the upcoming match could influence the board’s next steps.

Zidane and Klopp monitored as potential successors

Zidane, who won three Champions League titles across two coaching stints with the club, remains one of the most viable names should Madrid choose to act. He has not taken another managerial job since 2021, though he has expressed interest in returning to high-level coaching in the right situation.

Klopp, meanwhile, stepped away from frontline management after leaving Liverpool and later accepted a strategic role within the Red Bull football network. His track record including Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2019 and their first league title in 30 years keeps him in contention whenever top European jobs become unsettled.

Alonso stands firm amid scrutiny

After the loss, Alonso defended his position and stressed that the season remains salvageable. “If we all stick together… we can reverse the situation,” he said.

He acknowledged that defeats at home “hurt a lot,” but insisted they do not define a full campaign. Looking ahead to the midweek fixture, he said the team intends to show it can perform “much better than today.”

Sources: El Mundo, Realmadrid.dk, Khel Now, Sports Illustrated, Public match (Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo)