Xabi Alonso has stepped down from his position as the head coach of Real Madrid, the reigning giants of European and Spanish football. His departure follows the club’s recent defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Despite a commendable performance by the team, Real Madrid lost the match with a 2-3 scoreline.
Alonso’s tenure concludes after approximately eight months in charge. Reports suggest that his popularity among the players had significantly diminished during this period. In an official statement, Real Madrid confirmed that the 44-year-old manager left the post by mutual consent following discussions between both parties.
The club’s statement further emphasized that Alonso will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the leadership, players, and supporters as a club legend, noting that Real Madrid will always be his “home.” Alonso, who previously spent five years at the club as a player, took over the managerial reins on June 25th last year, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti. He arrived at the Bernabéu after a highly successful stint with Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen, where he clinched the Bundesliga title in 2024.
Shortly after announcing Alonso’s departure, Real Madrid officially confirmed the appointment of Alvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach. Arbeloa is a former Real Madrid player who has gained significant coaching experience within the club’s youth academy and with the reserve team (Real Madrid Castilla).
During Xabi Alonso’s brief tenure, he led the team for 34 matches, securing 24 victories.
