Our Reporter, Abuja
Real Madrid have parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso just seven months into his tenure, less than 24 hours after the club’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The decision follows mounting pressure on the former midfielder in recent weeks, amid reports of unrest within the squad. Sunday night’s El Clásico loss proved decisive, prompting the club to bring Alonso’s reign to an abrupt end.
In a statement released on Monday evening, Madrid confirmed that the 42-year-old had left the club “by mutual agreement.” Alonso, a club legend, made 236 appearances for Los Blancos during his playing career.
Former Madrid and Liverpool defender Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as Alonso’s permanent replacement. Arbeloa, who played alongside Alonso at Liverpool, has been part of Real Madrid’s academy setup since 2020 and has managed Castilla, the club’s B team, since last summer.
The club statement read: “Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first-team coach.
“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
Alonso departs the Santiago Bernabéu with Madrid sitting four points behind bitter rivals Barcelona in the league standings. Barcelona may have compounded Alonso’s woes on Sunday night by lifting the Super Cup, courtesy of a brace from Raphinha and a well-taken goal by Robert Lewandowski.
