In a sudden turn of events, Real Madrid have parted ways with their manager and former player Xabi Alonso following a humiliating 3-2 defeat to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The El Clasico defeat was the final nail in the coffin for Alonso who wasn’t able to recreate his heroics at the Spanish capital.
Alonso leaves the club after just seven months on the hot seat. He arrived in the summer of 2025 and was the most anticipated and celebrated managerial appointment in club football following his success with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. But, things did not work out for the 44-year-old as Real Madrid failed to get results and points on the board. The club released a statement and announced Alonso departure and termed it as a ‘mutual agreement’ between both the parties.
“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end,” They also highlighted Alonso’s importance as a Madridista and said, “Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
The club thanked the former Spanish international for his services and wished him the best of luck for his future.
“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives,”
Real Madrid faced a series of mixed results under Alonso’s tutelage. They won 24, drew four and lost six games in 34 outings under Xabi. The decision to let go off Xabi has raised my eyebrows in the footballing fraternity because he wasn’t given enough time. Interestingly, the Spanish giants have lined up Álvaro Arbeloa as Xabi’s replacement and it remains to be seen how they perform under him.
