Real Madrid have parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso following their 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The decision, described by the club as a mutual agreement, ends Alonso’s tenure just seven months after his appointment in May.
Club Statement And Immediate Replacement
The club said in a statement,
Xabi Alonso will always have the love and admiration of all Real Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has represented the values of our club at all times. Real Madrid will always be his home.
Real confirmed that former defender and current Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa will take charge of the first team with immediate effect.
A Short and Turbulent Spell
Alonso arrived on a three-year deal after a remarkable spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title, the German Cup, and a Europa League final. His return to Madrid was seen as the start of a long-term project, but the results quickly unravelled.
Real suffered heavy defeats across competitions, including losses to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup, Atletico Madrid in LaLiga, and Champions League defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City.
Numbers and Internal Issues
Alonso managed 34 official matches, recording 24 wins, four draws, and six defeats. Reports of internal tensions, including disagreements with senior players such as Federico Valverde and Vinicius Jr, further destabilised his reign.
Looking Ahead
After leading LaLiga earlier in the season, Real have slipped to second place, now four points behind Barcelona. Arbeloa will take charge for the first time on Wednesday when Real face Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16.
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