Under fire Alonso backs Arbeloa as future Real Madrid manager ahead of Alaves clash

Under fire Alonso backs Arbeloa as future Real Madrid manager ahead of Alaves clash

Xabi Alonso believes former teammate Alvaro Arbeloa has what it takes to be Real Madrid manager as pressure builds ahead of their La Liga clash with Alaves on Sunday (December 14).

Several reports out of Spain were suggesting that Alonso would be sacked if his side didn’t beat Man City, as of yet, that hasn’t happened.

Alonso, 44, remains under fire, however, and failure to beat 11th placed Alaves on Sunday could be the final nail in the coffin for the ex-midfielder.

One of the people mentioned as a possible replacement is Arbeloa, 42, who is currently in charge of Real Madrid’s B team.

Speaking ahead of the game with Alaves, Alonso touted Arbeloa as a future Real Madrid manager, but insists he isn’t feeling the pressure.

"He could be in the future. He's doing very well," Alonso said when asked if Arbeloa could one day manage the first team.0

"But we have talked more about the players who are joining us tomorrow. We haven't discussed that, at all."

Asked if he felt his job was on the line, Alonso said: "I always tell you that for me, the most important thing is the team and the club.0

"Tomorrow, we have a very important match because of the current situation, and we want to change our recent run of results. We have a demanding opponent in front of us. That's what's at stake tomorrow.

"I've been involved in football for quite a few years, and in Spanish football, I'm sure there have been more managerial dismissals at this stage in the past than this season.0

"My impression is that football is demanding, and there have been periods with more managerial sackings by this point.

"I'll leave you with that to think about in the coming days. I already have enough on my plate, and I'm not going to take on any extra work."