Alonso out of Real after eight months

He signed for three seasons, but left by ‘mutual consent‘ after only eight months – Xabi Alonso is no longer Real Madrid‘s coach. Former player took over at the end of May 2025 and expectations were high, but Florentino Perez didn‘t have time to wait. Real announced that their former player and Castilla manager since 2025 Alvaro Arbeola will take over. The defeat from Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup was probably the last straw, but Real's former player wasn't even allowed to finish the season, which is still wide open both in La Liga and in the Champions League. It is interesting that Alonso had recorded 24 wins, four draws and six losses in the first 34 games, the same record as Flick had at Barcelona at this point last season. The German is still at Nou Camp and is having a great season while the Royal Club just gave reigns to inexperienced Arbeola.

“Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach. 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. Real Madrid will always be his home. Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives“ reads Real‘s statement.

As is usually the case, at the beginning of his tenure there was talk of a long-term project. However, as soon as things started to go downhill, the Spanish media wrote extensively about strained relationships in the Real Madrid dressing room—namely, that Xabi Alonso had failed to build authority. His start at the Santiago Bernabeu was idyllic. He managed to win his first El Clasico in front of the home crowd and at one point even pulled clear of Barcelona in the table. Soon, however, Real Madrid fell into a results crisis, and—what was devastating for Florentino Perez—a crisis in performance was also evident.

Board meeting over Alonso's future

Under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, Real Madrid recorded 14 wins, three draws, and two defeats in 19 league matches. They are currently in second place, four points behind Barcelona, who certainly gained confidence with their triumph in Jeddah. Real Madrid also failed to impress in the Champions League, losing an important match against Manchester City (2–1). There was no improvement in the Kings’ play; the Madrid side struggled even in matches they won. Everything culminated in the defeat in Jeddah, which cost Xabi Alonso his job. It was also clear that roles within the team were not well assigned and that there was resistance within the squad to Xabi Alonso’s methodology. There was talk as well of clashes with the top players, such as Vinícius Junior. It is obvious that in Madrid they realized that the legendary midfielder and this Real Madrid team could not function together. They have taken a serious risk, as evidenced by the fact that the team has been entrusted to Alvaro Arbeloa, the current coach of Real Madrid Castilla (the second team).