- Real Madrid has agreed to end Xabi Alonso’s spell as head coach.
- The decision follows mixed results and a recent loss to Barcelona.
- Alonso leaves after seven months in charge at the Bernabeu.
- Former defender Alvaro Arbeloa has been named the new coach.
Real Madrid have confirmed that Xabi Alonso is no longer the club’s head coach, bringing his short stay to an end after just seven months.
In an official statement released on Monday, the club said the separation was reached by agreement between both sides, ending Alonso’s first senior coaching role at the Bernabeu.
Alonso arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer after an impressive season in Germany, where he led his side to a historic Bundesliga title.
However, the results in Spain and Europe failed to fully convince. Madrid recently lost 4-3 to Barcelona in the Supercopa final and now sits four points behind their rivals in La Liga. In the Champions League, the team is placed seventh in the table.
The former midfielder began strongly, guiding Madrid to the Club World Cup semi-finals before winning 13 of his first 14 matches.
The mood changed in November after a Champions League defeat to Liverpool. From that point, performances became uneven, despite public backing from some players.
In December, Jude Bellingham praised Alonso’s leadership and dismissed claims of dressing-room unrest, saying the squad remained united and focused.
Madrid’s latest defeat to Barcelona appeared to be the turning point.
Soon after the Supercopa final loss, the club moved quickly to make changes, ending Alonso’s tenure and naming a replacement without delay.
Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the new head coach, stepping up from his role with Real Madrid B.
The former defender has been part of the club’s coaching system and previously led the U19 side to a treble in the 2022–23 season, winning the league, cup, and Champions Cup.
During his time in charge, Alonso won 24 of his 34 matches across all competitions, drawing four and losing six.
His win rate of 71 per cent is higher than several recent Madrid coaches, including Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. Still, reports of disagreements with senior figures and key players added to the tension.
In its statement, Real Madrid praised Alonso as a club legend and said he will always be welcome at the Bernabeu.
The club also thanked its coaching staff for their efforts and wished them success in the next chapter of their careers.
