Alonso reveals talks with Real Madrid chief Perez
Xabi Alonso said he has held talks with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez amid the club's underwhelming recent run of results.
Madrid visits San Mames to take on Athletic Club in LaLiga on Thursday, four points adrift of league=leader Barcelona, after the Blaugrana's 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos have only won one of their last five games in all competitions, beating Olympiacos 4-3 in the Champions League.
They have drawn three successive matches in LaLiga, against Rayo Vallecano (0-0), Elche (2-2) and Girona (1-1), leading to criticism of Alonso in the Spanish media.
When Alonso took the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu in June, the former midfielder pledged to get his old club playing "rock and roll football", but right now, his focus is substance over style.
"We just play football. I'm trying to do my best," Alonso said. "This team, these players, have always tried to give their best. There have been good games, and others were not so good.
"That's why we haven't been able to win in the last few games, because we lacked consistency in our game, but the demand is to always be able to give a higher level."
Alonso revealed he had spoken to Perez and retained the full backing of the club's hierarchy.
"Yes, we have spoken again, and the conversations were very positive, in a good tone, about wanting to reverse the results. That is what we have talked about.
"We are where we are in the standings, both in LaLiga and in the Champions League. We live with the demands, as well as with the criticism.
"This is something inherent in Real Madrid and at any other football club. But we know where we are and we want to focus on what we can work on, on improving to win games and then, when April and May arrive, we hope to be playing for everything."
Athletic is eighth in LaLiga after beating Levante 2-0. Ernesto Valverde's side is four points adrift of the top six, but the manager has a poor record against Madrid.
Valverde has lost 19 of his 29 matches against Madrid in LaLiga, winning nine and drawing four, more defeats than he has suffered against any other club in the competition.
