Real Madrid have announced that Xabi Alonso has left his position as manager by mutual consent after a turbulent eight-month spell in charge, with Alvaro Arbeloa, his former teammate, stepping up from the club’s B team to take over the senior role.

The departure comes after a series of disappointing results, including defeats to city rivals Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, and most recently Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, leaving Real four points behind in La Liga and facing pressure across multiple competitions.

Alonso’s Tenure: Highs and Lows

Alonso, 44, replaced Carlo Ancelotti last May and brought with him an attacking philosophy honed during his time managing Bayer Leverkusen, whom he guided to the Bundesliga title in 2024. The former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder, who also won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships with Spain, sought to implement a structured, possession-based style at the Bernabeu.

During his brief stint, Alonso oversaw 34 matches, winning 24, drawing 4, and losing 6, but results often fell short of expectations. Notable defeats included a heavy 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in September and eliminations from the Champions League against Liverpool and Manchester City, highlighting inconsistencies in high-pressure games.

Breaking Point: Supercopa Defeat and Internal Tensions

The final straw reportedly came after Real Madrid’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa final. Reports suggest Alonso had a tactical disagreement with striker Kylian Mbappe during the match and later clashed with club president Florentino Perez, accelerating the decision to part ways.

Tensions were also said to have existed between Alonso and Vinicius Junior, especially after the forward reacted angrily to being substituted in El Clasico. Although Alonso later insisted their relationship was resolved, the strained interactions likely influenced the board’s decision.

Despite these challenges, several players, including Jude Bellingham, publicly supported Alonso, emphasizing that the dressing room remained united:

“At Madrid, there’s a tendency to exaggerate bad moments, but we’re all behind him. The decisions are above our heads.”

Arbeloa Steps Up

Alvaro Arbeloa, 42, has been promoted to manage the first team. The former Real Madrid full-back and ex-Liverpool defender has spent the last six years developing talent in the club’s youth setup and now faces his first senior managerial role. Arbeloa won two Champions League titles with Real as a player and aims to restore stability and confidence to the squad as they compete in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.

Arbeloa’s first test comes immediately in the Copa del Rey round of 16 tie against Albacete, a second division side, on Wednesday.

Club Statement

Real Madrid issued a statement expressing gratitude to Alonso:

“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has represented the values of our club. We thank him and his coaching staff for their dedication and wish them the best of luck in the next stage of their careers.”

Mbappe also posted a tribute on Instagram:

“It’s been short, but it was a pleasure to play for you & learn from you. Thank you for giving me confidence from day one. Best of luck for your next chapter.”

Analysis

BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague noted that Alonso’s departure highlights a clash between a coach with a clear methodology and players who rely on instinct. Real Madrid’s notoriously high standards and low tolerance for inconsistency left little room for adaptation, despite Alonso’s status as a club legend.

Supporters expressed mixed reactions. Some feel the move is premature, pointing out that Alonso still had a chance to achieve success in all competitions, while others argue it reflects the club’s relentless pursuit of immediate results.