Alonso says Madrid must live with criticism as mini slump continues
Real Madrid have gone three matches without a win after Sunday's draw with Elche, leaving Xabi Alonso to call for patience.
Xabi Alonso says Real Madrid must learn to live with outside criticism and maintain their positive spirit after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Elche extended their winless run.
Los Blancos have now gone three games without a victory, having lost 1-0 to Liverpool in the Champions League and played out a goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano prior to the international break.
On Sunday, they needed an 87th-minute equaliser from Jude Bellingham to avoid ending the weekend behind Barcelona at the top of LaLiga.
Elche captain Aleix Febas struck first in the 53rd minute, with Dean Huijsen equalising, but Alvaro Rodriguez came off the bench to restore the hosts' lead before Bellingham's intervention.
Speaking after the game, Alonso reiterated his faith that Madrid's results would soon turn.
"The team has not fallen, we'll keep competing. The results and the performances can be improved," he told reporters.
"We are self-critical, but the spirit is still good. In the face of adversity, we must continue. This is Real Madrid and we know that we must live with the criticism."
Only a few months into Alonso's reign, reports in the Spanish media have claimed there is a disconnect between the former midfielder and some of the big names in his squad.
But he refuted those suggestions, saying: "The connection with the players is improving. We know each other better and we are in the same boat, going in the same direction.
"We celebrate together and we are not happy when we don't win. The day to day is good and we must reverse this moment."
Alonso also faced criticism in some quarters for leaving Vinicius Junior out of his starting lineup, with the Brazilian replacing Rodrygo as a 57th-minute substitute.
Vinicius has now been brought off the bench in four of Madrid's games this season, but Alonso is adamant the forward had no issue with his role.
"There's no problem, we had talked about it, as we did many times," he said.
"He understood it and knew the role he was going to play. Today we are not happy, but everyone is energetic and wants to recover the good dynamic."
Madrid return to action in the Champions League on Wednesday, when they visit Olympiacos, with a trip to Girona to follow in LaLiga on Sunday.
