Spanish giants Real Madrid have announced the departure of manager Xabi Alonso following their 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup. The club confirmed the decision on its official X page on Monday, describing it as a mutual agreement.
“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club,” the statement read. “Real Madrid will always be his home.”
Alonso was appointed in the summer after a successful stint with Bayern Leverkusen. During his tenure at Real Madrid, he managed 34 games, winning 24 and losing six, but faced increasing pressure amid the club’s close La Liga race, sitting four points behind rivals Barcelona.
Real Madrid also confirmed that former defender Álvaro Arbeloa has taken over as first-team manager. Arbeloa, who spent his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s youth academy, previously managed the Castilla team and achieved multiple league titles, including a treble with the Juvenil A team in 2022–2023.
As a player, Arbeloa was part of one of Real Madrid’s most successful eras, making 238 appearances between 2009 and 2016 and winning eight major titles, including two UEFA Champions League trophies. He was also a key member of Spain’s national team, winning the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships.
