After just 7 months 

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Real Madrid have parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso, the club announced. The decision came after Real Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup to rivals Barcelona 3-2. According to multiple reports, Alonso asked to be relieved of these duties as Real’s head coach. The club has appointed Álvaro Arbeloa as caretaker manager.

“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,” a club statement read. “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.

Tensions at Real Madrid have been high. Alonso had a difficult relationship with star winger Vinicius Junior. Following the defeat to Barcelona in the Super Cup, Kylian Mbappé made headlines by refusing the usual guard of honor for their opponents. Fans, in the meantime, had lost patience with Alonso as well, and they publicly demanded the sacking of the 44-year-old Spaniard. On Monday, that part of the fanbase got their wish, as Alonso has officially left the club on mutual consent.

Xabi Alonso: Where did it go wrong at Real Madrid?

Alonso joined Real Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen seven months ago. Before joining Real, Alonso had guided Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal victory in 2024. Indeed, the Spaniard oversaw a team that made German league history by becoming the first team to remain undefeated throughout an entire campaign. Last season, however, Leverkusen lost out on the title to Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich. He would leave Leverkusen with a 2.14 points-per-game average, the highest among managers who have at least coached a full season at the club.

That point-per-game average increased at Real Madrid. Alonso averaged 2.24 points per game across 34 games in all competitions. But in LaLiga, Real Madrid are now four points behind Barcelona, and in the Champions League, Los Blancos have been inconsistent, winning just four of six games. Add the issues in the dressing room, and the club felt they were now at a point where they couldn’t continue with the former club legend.

The question is now what will happen next? Arbeloa is set to become the caretaker manager. But already there have been rumors that Carlo Ancelotti could return to the club. Ancelotti certainly has the pedigree to control a star-studded lineup, but will his project in Brazil allow a return? Either way, Real Madrid are at a crossroads after ending an ambitious project earlier than anticipated. As for Alonso, his stock will likely remain high after his departure. Indeed, clubs like Liverpool, where Arne Slot has struggled, will certainly monitor his situation.