Real Madrid have parted ways with Xabi Alonso after a mutual agreement between both parties. The decision comes a day after Real Madrid lost to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been the coach of Real Madrid’s B team, has been named as the next Real Madrid manager.
The decision follows reports of internal tension within the club, with sources indicating that Xabi Alonso disagreed with the French forward Kylian Mbappe. Alonso was also said to have clashed with the club President Florentino Perez, earlier in the week. After the game, footage on social media appeared to show Kylian Mbappe ignoring Alonso’s instruction to form a guard of honour for Barcelona.
Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in May on a contract until 2028. He was regarded as a modern manager as he had a great spell with Bayer Leverkusen, winning the Meisterschale unbeaten after a remarkable 2023/24 campaign that saw Germany champions set a European record of 51 games in a row without a loss. On paper, Alonso had a decent record; however, critics argued that Madrid’s performances were not convincing.
The Spanish Giants wasted no time in naming a replacement, promoting Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been the coach of Real Madrid’s B team since June 2025 and also spent the last 6 years working with the academy. In his press conference, he said, “ It is a dream come true. I know the responsibility I have. I’m facing it with a lot of excitement. We have a great squad with guys willing to do anything.
Alonso departs with a heartfelt message, stating that “ This chapter of my career has come to an end, and it hasn’t turned out as we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been both an honour and a responsibility.” The new Real Madrid Coach takes charge of his first training sessions as he prepares for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Albacete.
