Jude Bellingham insists the Real Madrid dressing room remains “100%” behind under-fire coach Xabi Alonso after Wednesday’s defeat to Manchester City.
Los Blancos were defeated 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu despite taking a 28th-minute lead through Rodrygo in the Champions League.
Nico O’Reilly leveled for City with his first Champions League goal before Erling Haaland’s penalty completed the turnaround for Pep Guardiola’s men before half-time.
Madrid, who managed just one shot on target throughout, have therefore won just two of their past eight games in all competitions. There were reports that the club’s hierarchy were considering giving Alonso the ax if they lost this match, just over six months after his appointment was confirmed.
But England midfielder Bellingham, speaking to TNT Sports, says the team is still fighting for the boss, who represented Madrid in an impressive career.
“[We’re behind the manager] 100%,” Bellingham said. “The manager was great. Personally, I have a great relationship with him and I know a lot of guys do too.
“After that series of draws we had some great conversations internally and felt like we had put that form behind us.
“No one throws down tools, no one complains or groans. We take it on the chin and keep fighting.”
FT: @RealMadridEN 1-2 @ManCity
28′ @RodrygoGoes
35′ O’Reilly
43′ Haaland (p) pic.twitter.com/0wXDIlHKu9— Real Madrid CF (@realmadriden) December 10, 2025
Madrid have now lost each of their last four Champions League meetings with English sides (two against Arsenal, one against Liverpool, one against Man City).
It is only their second ever losing streak of more than four games against clubs from a specific country in the European Cup/Champions League, following a run of five defeats against Italian sides from February 2008 to October 2009.
Since the start of last season, Madrid have lost five of their Champions League matches – as many as they lost in the group stages of the competition from 2019/20 to 2023/24 combined before that.
“We’re still trying to work it out inside the locker room, regardless of what’s happening outside. We know that doesn’t help,” Bellingham added.
“One thing is the way we manage games. At certain points where we have to suffer, it feels like we always give in and it puts us at a disadvantage and makes us have to play in a way we don’t want to.”
“But in the dressing room we have everything we need to turn the tide. We may need a bit of luck or perhaps something to discuss internally. I am confident that this season is not over just because we are in bad form.”
Asked about the criticism he has personally faced, Bellingham added: “It’s just life. This is what I signed up for.
“I play for the biggest club in the world and one of the most scrutinized countries in the world. I don’t want pity, I’m living the dream. I roll with the punches and that’s the most important thing for me.”
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