Xabi Alonso has left his role as Real Madrid head coach by mutual agreement, less than 24 hours after the club’s 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.
Real Madrid confirmed the decision on Monday evening, bringing an end to Alonso’s short spell at the Bernabéu just seven months after his appointment. The former midfielder took charge of 28 matches, recording 20 wins and five defeats.
In a statement, the club praised Alonso for his contribution, describing him as a Real Madrid legend who has always represented the club’s values. The club also wished him well in the next stage of his career and thanked his technical team for their work and commitment.
Despite a run of five straight wins before the Super Cup final, Alonso’s position had come under pressure during his first season, with concerns over results and relationships within the squad.
Former Real Madrid and Liverpool defender Álvaro Arbeloa has been promoted from the reserve team to replace Alonso as first-team coach.
Before joining Real Madrid, Alonso had been strongly linked with the Liverpool job following Jürgen Klopp’s decision to step down in 2024, but he opted to return to Spain instead.
