Real Madrid has ended its partnership with Xabi Alonso and promoted B team manager Álvaro Arbeloa to lead the first team, the club announced Monday. Alonso’s stint lasted less than eight months and concluded a day after a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
“By mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach,” the club said, adding that Alonso “will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas.” The statement also expressed gratitude to his coaching staff.
Alonso succeeded Carlo Ancelotti last May amid high expectations but struggled to maintain consistent performances. Reports of conflicts with players, including Vinícius Júnior, and ongoing locker room tensions marked his tenure. Following Sunday’s loss in Jeddah, a disagreement over performing a guard of honor for Barcelona underscored the friction between Alonso and key players, including Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé was the first to publicly thank Alonso on Instagram, praising his leadership and ideas. Several other players also expressed gratitude, though Vinícius did not post a farewell.
In 34 matches under Alonso, Madrid won 24, drew four, and lost six. Despite a 2-1 win over Barcelona in the season’s first clasico, Real Madrid trails the Blaugrana by four points at the halfway point of La Liga. The team faces Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Wednesday.
Álvaro Arbeloa, 42, a former teammate of Alonso at Madrid and Spain, enjoyed a decorated playing career, winning eight titles with Real Madrid, including two Champions League trophies, and Spain’s 2010 World Cup and two European Championships. He has managed the B team since June and previously coached youth squads.
Alonso, 44, also had a storied playing career at Madrid, winning six titles between 2009-2014, including the 2014 Champions League, and led Bayer Leverkusen to a Bundesliga and German Cup double after taking over the struggling club.
Madrid hopes Arbeloa can stabilize the team and guide it toward domestic and European success.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
