Xabi Alonso has left his role as head coach of Real Madrid by mutual consent, just seven months after taking charge. The decision followed a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, which capped a period of poor form for the club.
Former Real Madrid and Liverpool defender Álvaro Arbeloa, who had been coaching the B team Castilla, will replace Alonso at least temporarily. Arbeloa, a long-time teammate of Alonso, has been part of Madrid's coaching setup since 2020.
Alonso's tenure began promisingly with six straight La Liga wins and an impressive Clásico victory in October. However, a 4-0 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain and a subsequent run of two wins in eight games saw Madrid slip from a five-point lead over Barcelona to a four-point deficit.
Despite some improved results, performances remained unconvincing. A notable incident saw Vinícius Júnior storm off the pitch after being substituted, later apologising to players, staff and the president but pointedly not to Alonso. The club did little to bolster Alonso's authority.
Alonso departs after 34 games, with six defeats including heavy losses to Barcelona, PSG and Atlético Madrid. He was appointed in May on a contract until 2028 after his success at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga and German Cup.
A club statement thanked Alonso for his work and dedication, saying he will always have the affection of Madrid fans as a club legend. Arbeloa, who won two Champions Leagues and the World Cup with Spain, now steps into the spotlight.
