Xabi Alonso's failure to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer has been a key reason behind his struggles as Real Madrid manager.

That's according to Spanish football expert Phil Kitromilides, who believes the Los Blancos boss is desperately missing a player of Zubimendi's quality, as pressure continues to mount on him.

Alonso is facing an uncertain future at the Bernabeu, especially after defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League.

Despite leading through an early Rodrygo strike, the Citizens fought back through goals from Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland to win.

This saw Real lose back-to-back games, while defeat in Europe means they are now hanging onto seventh spot in the 36-team table ahead of matches with Monaco and Benfica .

talkSPORT reported earlier th

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