Xabi Alonso has ended his stint as Real Madrid head coach before completing a full season, with the club confirming his departure following fewer than eight months in the role.
The Spanish giants explained that the 44-year-old’s exit was agreed upon jointly, announcing the decision before swiftly revealing his successor.
Alonso arrived in the Spanish capital last summer after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga crown in 2024, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite a respectable record of results, his period in charge concluded amid mounting pressure and internal tension.
Tensions and recent setbacks
Real’s most recent disappointment came on Sunday, when they were overcome by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
That result left Madrid four points adrift of their rivals in the league standings, intensifying scrutiny on the coaching staff.
BBC Sport sources indicated that Alonso clashed with forward Kylian Mbappe over tactical matters ahead of the final, followed by a separate dispute with club president Florentino Perez the next day.
Those disagreements preceded a decision taken later on Monday to end the working relationship.
Arbeloa promoted from within
Alvaro Arbeloa has been elevated from the club’s reserve setup to assume responsibility for the first team with immediate effect.
The 42-year-old has worked within Madrid’s youth structure since 2020 and will now experience his first senior managerial assignment.
His debut on the touchline will come on Wednesday in a Copa del Rey last-16 match away to second-tier Albacete.
Arbeloa previously represented both Liverpool and Real Madrid as a defender, collecting two Champions League medals and playing a role in Spain’s triumphs at the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships.
Farewell messages and mixed legacy
In an official statement, Madrid expressed gratitude towards Alonso, highlighting his status as a former player and affirming that the club would always remain close to him.
They praised his commitment and that of his staff, wishing them success in future ventures.
Mbappe also offered words of appreciation through social media, thanking Alonso for his trust and describing him as a coach with strong ideas and deep understanding of the game.
Alonso’s time in charge included 24 victories from 34 matches, though sections of the fanbase voiced frustration after a home defeat to Celta Vigo last month.
Earlier heavy losses, including a 5-2 derby setback against Atletico Madrid and Champions League defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City, further shaped the narrative of a challenging reign.
