Xabi Alonso departs Real Madrid as Alvaro Arbeloa steps in as new manager
Real Madrid announced on Monday that Xabi Alonso has departed the club by mutual agreement, with Alvaro Arbeloa named as his replacement.
Following the teams 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final the previous day, the Spanish giants ended their partnership with the Basque manager just eight months into his tenure, swiftly promoting former player Arbeloa from the youth setup.
"Real Madrid confirms that following mutual consent between the club and Xabi Alonso, his role as first-team manager has concluded," the club stated officially.
A subsequent announcement confirmed Arbeloas appointment, though details on the 42-year-olds contract duration were not provided.
"Arbeloa has led Castilla since June 2025 and has built his coaching credentials entirely within Real Madrids academy from 2020 onwards," the statement added.
His debut in charge will come on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey last-16 round, away to second-division side Albacete.
During his playing days, the Spaniard featured 238 times for Madrid from 2009 to 2016, securing two Champions League trophies, one La Liga title, and further honours.
Arbeloa also celebrated World Cup success with Spain in 2010, plus European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012, sharing the pitch with Alonso at both club and international levels.
Alonso took over in June, succeeding long-serving Carlo Ancelotti, yet the side has lacked steadiness under his guidance, sitting second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by four points.
The Super Cup setback in Saudi Arabia saw them dominated 3-2 by Hansi Flicks team, marking the 44-year-olds final outing in the role.
Alonso faced mounting pressure late in 2025 but a streak of five straight victories preserved his position temporarily, only for the latest defeat to prove decisive.
He had penned a three-year contract upon arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, set to run until June 2028.
An initial blow came in July with a 4-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals.
Although they claimed a Clasico triumph against Barcelona in October, it seemed club president Florentino Perez remained unconvinced by Alonsos contemporary methods.
The squad endured a slump during an injury-plagued period, with reports in Spanish press suggesting tensions with certain players and speculation of his removal if they faltered against Manchester City in the Champions League that December.
They fell short in that match, but a respectable showing bought Alonso additional opportunities to steady the ship.
Ultimately, the loss to Barca in Jeddah sealed his fate, leading to an amicable exit agreement.