He never thought it was easy I believe. What's different is the significant public pressure after only one game is lost.
The real issue that Alonso underestimated is not the pressure, but the problems the team has. I think he thought it will be much easier from that perspective, Mbappe and Vinicius Junior and everything should be ok, but it isn't. Real Madrid is a powerful name, but with the players they now have I think they won't have a chance in La Liga against Barcelona, let alone in the Champions League.
This is the champions league and the discussion should be for the competition, personally I think this particular game against PSG simply highlighted the problem that the club still faces. If you look at the game the starting eleven except Gonzalo and Arder Guler were all the same as last season. The defense which I must truly blame is the same defense that shipped in many goals under Carlo Ancelloti. Yes the Forward or attack didn’t score but there are games where you actually struggle and your defense keeps you in game, for me I think the entire defense needs restructuring, there was a time I had this belief for both Rudiger and Asencio but with constant mistakes I think they shouldn’t be starting games.
I heard there is a chance of Liverpool selling off Ibrahim Konate because it is looking like they will lose him next season for free just like Arnold to this same Real Madrid and are looking to sign him I think they should do and possibly use him anf Huijsen as the center back pairing with both Arnold and Carracas on the right and left back positions this will be the first solution to the problem