Real Madrid have officially parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso after less than eight months in charge.
The decision was confirmed less than 24 hours after Los Blancos suffered a 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Alonso had been under mounting pressure ahead of the clash in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the failure to secure silverware ultimately proved decisive, despite reports suggesting the club was prepared to grant him more time.
In a statement, the club said: “Real Madrid C.F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, he has decided to end his tenure as head coach of the first team. Xabi Alonso will always have the love and admiration of all Madridistas. He is a legend of Real Madrid and has represented the values of this club at all times. Real Madrid will always be his home.”
The club also thanked Alonso and his coaching staff for their dedication and wished them success in the next stage of their careers.
Álvaro Arbeloa named as successor
Shortly after confirming Alonso’s departure, Real Madrid announced Álvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new first-team manager.
Arbeloa had been in charge of Real Madrid Castilla and now steps into the role at a challenging moment for the Spanish giants.
A former Real Madrid defender, Arbeloa represented the club between 2009 and 2016, making 238 official appearances and winning eight major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles and one La Liga crown.
At international level, Arbeloa earned 56 caps for Spain and was part of the historic squad that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
First match in charge
Arbeloa will take charge of his first match on Wednesday, when Real Madrid face second-tier side Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16.
