Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso Part Ways After Disappointing Tenure

In a surprising turn of events, Real Madrid and head coach Xabi Alonso have mutually agreed to terminate his contract after just seven months in charge. The announcement comes on the heels of a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.

Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder and fan favorite, officially took the helm on June 1st, following a highly successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen. During his time with the German club, he secured a domestic double in the 2023-24 season and guided the team to the Europa League final. Expectations were high upon his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu, but the team's performance under his leadership proved inconsistent.

The initial period of Alonso's management showed promise. He led Real Madrid to the Club World Cup semi-finals and oversaw a run of 13 wins in 14 games. However, a heavy defeat in the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid marked the beginning of a downward trend. A loss to Liverpool on November 4th further exacerbated the situation, triggering a sequence of only two wins in eight matches. Despite a subsequent recovery with five consecutive victories, the overall improvement was deemed insufficient by the club's management. Furthermore, reports suggest that Alonso was not a popular figure within the team's dressing room. At the time of his departure, Real Madrid trailed Barcelona by four points in the La Liga standings.

"Real Madrid C.F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his tenure as first-team coach," the club stated. The statement also conveyed the club's gratitude for Alonso's work and dedication during his brief tenure, acknowledging him as a Real Madrid legend who embodies the club's values. "Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always embodied the values ​​of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home".

The club has moved swiftly to appoint a replacement, with Álvaro Arbeloa stepping up from his role as coach of Real Madrid's B team. Arbeloa, another former Real Madrid player, has been working with the club's academy for the past six years and has coached the B team since June 2025. His familiarity with the club and its youth system likely contributed to his quick appointment.