Real Madrid coach: Situation same after Alaves win

MADRID, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso insisted on Tuesday that his position at the club "remains the same" despite Sunday's 2-1 win away to Deportivo Alaves easing immediate pressure on him.

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo scored in that victory, which came amid media speculation that Alonso's future could hinge on the result.

Real Madrid now turns its attention to the Copa del Rey, traveling to third-tier (RFEF I) Talavera in the third round. Asked in his pre-match press conference whether Sunday's win had changed his situation, Alonso said it had not.

"The situation, before and after, remains the same," he replied, adding that he and the club "maintain very good communication."

"We're in this together, each with our own roles, but our communication is fluid, the trust is constant and we share respect, ambition, and a desire to improve," Alonso said.

He also dismissed suggestions of issues within the squad when asked if his relationship with the players had changed.

"We have always fought for the same objectives. We know there are good times and not-so-good times, and that unity is fundamental," Alonso responded.

"Relationships develop, and we get to know each other better over time. We're at that moment now, and now we are focussed on finishing strongly ahead of the Christmas break."

"We want to continue what we're doing, to keep building on it and making it better both in the changing room, on the field, in our play, in attack, defense, in everything," he concluded. ■