
It is easy to comprehend why Xabi Alonso, relieved of his duties on Monday, was under so much pressure at Real Madrid.
Real have been crowned European champions 15 times, are the biggest club in the world, boast a magnificent, expanded stadium and have superstars like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior in a squad valued at more than £1 billion ($1.3 billion).