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.
RealMadridTom79
0
Elche was robbed two points! Cheating became a norm in this season for Madrid!
What about when Barca robbed others. You don’t want to see that as you are biased about Madrid.
RealMadridTom79
0
Alonso is the next Benitez. Sacking ancelotti was a mistake. Madrid plays terrible under him. He doesn’t know how to handle the dressing room. Ancelotti was a master of that. Without getting the dressing room behind you no matter how good tactician are you.
jukcknprsu
0
We need to win more games
wuuadimrsu
0
Madrid is big for xabi alonso
This Is True.......
yeeceprtz
1
The downfall has started
HenryStriky
0
because you beat Barca means u are a good coach right your sacking is near... Barcelona were sluggish and with many injures against u that's why u won...
bohbcdikmr
2
This Alonso guy is a clown and shud be booted out fo d club….wats Mbappe always doing outside the box??hes d coach and he must make dat selfish brat to work for d team…I’ve never in my life seen a striker always standing outside box wen his team is crossing/attacking d opposition box….??mbappe shud be put in his place if he can’t play for d team
Emmysomto
5
The coach is good but Madrid is bigger than him and the players not cooperating
Souknprtu
4
real Madrid need a special coach not like Alonso because his style of play isn't taken real Madrid in to high stage level
dincdeops
1
we all know you guys agent of sportybet, once real Madrid are playing late on Sunday just know they can't win because of their investments with sportbet
vaucdkosuz
2
Alonso you're the problem of madrid. look at yesterday game playing with 5 defenders against elche vini,Valverde all in the bench ur defense also not too strong
zeebmnprz
2
The team lacks endurance and agility in almost all of the games under Alonso. I suggest that Madrid sack him as soon as possible to avoid more problems
Muwadilnuy
1
stupid coach he sold the game this guy what kind of first 11 was that
Hocbdeklmt
0
the coach is not good
jatadmnosu
4
Madrid is big for xabi alonso
Leuemstuyz
2
you need make your players run and run through out the game, strikers to stand and defenders struggling with opponents is unacceptable
pium
3
Elche was robbed two points! Cheating became a norm in this season for Madrid!
Brighton29
1
is their form now be likened to the size or shape of a vehicle? 🙂 hala MADRIDISTAs!
jeedrsty
0
Big lie. It's glaring the players are not happy.