Bellingham backs Alonso and Real Madrid eye a comeback after City defeat

Match aftermath and Bellingham's stance

Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid's star, reaffirmed his backing for Xabi Alonso to stay as coach after a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Manchester City, saying the team is in a rough patch and the players are searching for explanations in the locker room.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Bellingham said we are still trying to understand the problem in the dressing room. There are moments we must endure, but it feels like we are conceding too often, putting us in a difficult position.

Alonso's future and Real Madrid's internal talks

He insisted Real Madrid possess the pieces to bounce back, saying: We have what we need to turn things around. Maybe we need a bit of luck, or perhaps some internal discussions. I am confident the season won’t end here because of a slump.

Asked about Alonso’s future, Bellingham's reply was firm: Of course I want him to stay. The coach is great, my relationship with him is excellent, and so are many of my teammates. He added that after recent draws they had internal talks and felt they had moved past that phase. No one gives up, no one complains. We accept the results and keep fighting.

Bellingham also stressed external criticism would not faze him: This is life. I came to play for the biggest club in the world, and I am not seeking sympathy. I am living my dream, bearing the pressure, and that is what matters.

Punchline 1: If defending were a comedy club, Alonso would be the headliner—calm, collected, and somehow the jokes still land.

Punchline 2: And Bellingham is so optimistic he could turn a 0-1 deficit into a 2-0 win with a smile and a sprint.