Real Madrid have officially decided to part ways with manager Xabi Alonso with immediate effect following their defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The decision comes after a challenging period in which the club struggled to achieve the desired turnaround in performances under the Basque coach.
Alonso joined Real Madrid in the summer after leaving Bayer Leverkusen, taking over the reins from Carlo Ancelotti. Expectations were high, but results failed to fully meet the club’s standards.
Season Overview Under Alonso
Despite moments of promise, Real Madrid’s campaign under Alonso has been inconsistent. The team reached the semi-finals of the Club World Cup before suffering a heavy defeat, and their Spanish Super Cup run ended in disappointment against arch-rivals Barcelona.
In the league, Los Blancos currently sit second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona. In Europe, they occupy seventh place in the UEFA Champions League league table with two matches remaining.
Official Statement from Real Madrid
Real Madrid released an official statement on Monday evening, less than 12 hours after the squad returned to Madrid from the Spanish Super Cup final:
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.
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.
Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire coaching staff for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.
Álvaro Arbeloa Appointed Interim Manager
Shortly after confirming Alonso’s departure, Real Madrid announced that Castilla coach Álvaro Arbeloa will take charge of the first team on an interim basis. The duration of his appointment has not been specified, but he is expected to remain in charge until at least the end of the season.
Arbeloa is highly regarded within the club hierarchy and enjoys the strong backing of club president Florentino Pérez, making him a trusted figure during this transitional period.
Real Madrid will now look to stabilize their season under new leadership as they continue to compete on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe.