Valdebebas, SPAIN -- Xabi Alonso insisted on Tuesday that he retains the support of his players, and said he's "calm" about reports his job is under threat, as Real Madrid prepare to host Manchester City in the Champions League.

Madrid go into the City game having won just one of their last five matches in LaLiga, including Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu.

ESPN reported on Monday that president Florentino Pérez met with the Madrid board after the Celta loss to discuss Alonso's future, with concerns over his management and the performances of key players.

"Yes," Alonso said, giving a one-word answer when asked if felt he still had his squad's support, in a news conference on Tuesday.

"The team is united, the team is convinced," Alonso said earlier, when as

See Full Page