Xabi Alonso’s first media appearance after reports his Real Madrid future was in doubt was a tense one.
The Spaniard was bombarded with questions about his relationship with the club who are reportedly not completely satisfied with his time so far, and neither are the players.
Of the 15 questions sent his way, 10 were about his future, and his most telling came early when he was asked if he was enjoying the job.
“It’s demanding, that’s clear,” he said.
“But I’m certainly not the first coach to have to deal with these situations. They’re not new situations. You have to know how to live with them.
“We have the necessary self-criticism; we’re not happy with the last few matches. But we also see where we stand in La Liga and the Champions League. Putting all that together, I am enjoying it, yes.”
He added: “It’s turning out to be what I expected, a very demanding job. With moments when you need concentration, others when you need to react quickly. But I’m enjoying everything, the whole package that it entails.”
Asked about his relationship with the players, he said: “They are demanding, they are professional. They have these kinds of situations, but they are what make them who they are. And then you have to be connected with them.
“I believe that in every team the most important thing is the players. What’s decisive is the quality of the players, their attitude, how well prepared they are… We support them and we have to be there for them.”
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