Real Madrid vs Man City: Bombarded with Criticism, Xabi Alonso Receives Surprise Support from Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola sent a loud message of support to Xabi Alonso, who is currently under intense scrutiny as Real Madrid's coach. Ahead of the high-stakes Champions League 2025/26 Matchday 6 clash at Santiago Bernabéu on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 03:00 WIB, Guardiola chose to defend Alonso.

According to Guardiola, what Alonso is experiencing is a classic situation at a club as big as Real Madrid. The pressure mounts instantly when results don't meet expectations. 

Despite having stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham, Madrid is going through a tough period. They’ve only managed two wins in their last seven matches across all competitions.

Guardiola, who previously managed Barcelona, understands perfectly how demanding it is at Spain's two giant clubs.

"I sympathize because we spent two years together, and that was an extraordinary experience with him," said Guardiola on the club's official website on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Guardiola stated that Barcelona and Madrid are the hardest clubs to manage due to the enormous pressure. 

"If I had a season like Madrid's current one last year, I’d have been fired. It’s tough, but he (Alonso) knows it because he played there," Guardiola continued.

Guardiola and Alonso share a history from their 18 months together at Bayern Munich. That’s why Guardiola voiced his confidence in Alonso’s ability to build a long-term project at Madrid.

"I know how difficult it is to build something. Of course, he’s capable of doing what’s needed in that position. I just wish him all the best. I care deeply for him," he added.

This emotional support draws significant attention ahead of the Champions League meeting between both teams. 

Despite being in the opposing camp, Guardiola still sees Alonso not as an enemy, but as a professional facing a major storm who needs space to prove himself.

Since joining from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, Alonso has faced unreal expectations at Madrid. 

With the negative results they’re experiencing, the pressure keeps growing. But for Guardiola, Alonso only needs one thing: to stay true to his principles.

Amid the ruthless Bernabéu atmosphere, Guardiola’s support signals that Alonso remains on track—even if it’s a rocky path.