Real Madrid on Monday announced the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso by mutual consent, following the club’s defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final against rivals Barcelona.
In a statement, the Spanish giants said both parties agreed to end Alonso’s tenure as first-team coach, bringing his short spell at the helm to a close just months after his appointment.
“Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as first-team coach to an end,” the club said.
Alonso, who took charge in June after replacing veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti, struggled to deliver consistent performances. Under his leadership, Los Blancos sit second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona. His final match was Sunday’s 3–2 loss to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in Saudi Arabia.
Shortly after confirming Alonso’s exit, Real Madrid announced the appointment of former club defender Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement. The club did not disclose the duration of the 42-year-old’s contract.
“Arbeloa has been the coach of Castilla since June 2025 and has developed his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s academy since 2020,” the club said in a separate statement.
Alonso had faced mounting pressure towards the end of 2025 and was reportedly close to losing his job before a run of five consecutive victories temporarily eased concerns. However, the Super Cup defeat proved decisive, prompting the club to make a change as the season progressed.
AFP
