Under-pressure Alonso ready to face ‘all the challenges’ at Madrid
Video credit: TNT Sports
Los Blancos were top of La Liga and won 10 of their first 11 matches in the Spanish top-flight this season, but having won only two of their last seven matches in all competitions, have fallen four points behind reigning champions Barcelona, with pressure mounting on Alonso.
Tchouameni, though, backed his manager and said the squad are “confident” the tough run will be short-lived.
“But we are going to keep working hard, and we are confident in the fact we are going to be better.
“We are all in the same boat, in order to get some wins and win trophies, we have to stay together and this is what we are going to keep doing.
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Madrid players are ‘always’ supporting ‘great coach’ Alonso
Video credit: TNT Sports
“We have to do a better job on the pitch, we know that, and as I said, we have a great opportunity tomorrow to change the dynamic, so we are excited to play this game.”
Tchouameni made it clear he does not feel he or his team-mates have anything to prove, but that they do need to win the game.
He said: “It feels like Manchester City are in our league you know, because we play against them every year.
“Obviously (they have) great players with a really good manager, so we are looking forward to playing this game at home in front of our fans and it is going to be a great football match.
“The only thing we have to do is win the game, we’ve got nothing to prove, as I say, the most important thing is to win the game.
“We are in a good situation in the Champions League, it is totally different from La Liga, so just have to win the game tomorrow, that is going to be the most important thing to do.”
Alonso knows what to expect from Pep’s ‘mature’ City
The fixture between Madrid and City pits Alonso up against compatriot Pep Guardiola, with the two managers at very different stages with their respective clubs.
Alonso took over in the Spanish capital in the summer following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, and has seen a successful start followed by a shaky few weeks.
Guardiola, on the other hand, has been at Manchester City since 2016, closing in on nearly a decade in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
Alonso believes that while facing Guardiola is a challenge, it is one he and his coaching staff are prepared for.
“Every defeat hurts, but we have to turn it back, we have a big chance tomorrow to show how good we can do, and it’s the Champions League,” Alonso said. “We are playing at the Bernabeu against a top team in City, so it is a challenge, but it is a big opportunity for us.
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Alonso shifts mood from ‘anger to excitement’ ahead of Man City clash
Video credit: SNTV
“For me to be part of Real Madrid, it is always a privilege and you need to know your role.
“When you are coaching Real Madrid, you need to be ready to face all the challenges and the challenges are in the good moments and also in not so good moments.
“We know what we are going through, but together, sharing responsibility with work is the only way to turn it back.
“It is an opportunity for all of us, not to prove, because in Champions League we are doing well so far, but for sure, it is a big game, it is a top team.
“The players they know, the fans they know what to expect, so hopefully we will show our best level tomorrow.
“We know Pep, he has been there for eight years I think now in Manchester, so he has been able to develop his ideas, to change players, so it is a project that is so mature and tomorrow – we know what to expect from City.”
