Real Madrid send for Arbeloa after sacking Alonso in wake of Super Cup defeat
MADRID: Real Madrid have sacked coach Xabi Alonso after only just over seven eight months in charge.
The decision followed Madrid’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a loss that proved to be the final straw in a campaign of mixed results and mounting pressure.
Madrid moved swiftly to name Alonso’s successor. Álvaro Arbeloa — a former Madrid player and coach of the club’s reserve side Castilla — was immediately appointed as head coach. Arbeloa, 42, has spent several years within the Real Madrid academy system and is viewed as a trusted internal option capable of maintaining continuity while stabilising the squad.
Arbeloa’s appointment underscores Real Madrid’s preference for someone who understands the club culture and can quickly step into the role. His playing career included two UEFA Champions League titles and multiple domestic trophies, adding to his credibility among supporters.
In an official club statement, Real Madrid said that the decision to part ways with Alonso was made “by mutual agreement” between the club and Alonso. The statement was respectful and full of praise, acknowledging Alonso as a club legend who “will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans” and emphasising that “Real Madrid will always be his home.”
Alonso’s tenure began with promise. After succeeding Carlo Ancelotti in the summer of 2025, following a hugely successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title, expectations were high.
However, Real Madrid’s performances under Alonso were inconsistent: they currently sit second in La Liga, four points behind rivals Barcelona at the midway stage of the season.
In the UEFA Champions League, Real are positioned around seventh in their group, having lost two of six matches — below the club’s usual standards.
The Super Cup defeat to Barcelona — one of the club’s biggest rivals — was a particularly damaging result, bringing additional scrutiny to Alonso’s leadership and mentality in crucial games.
Across all competitions, Alonso’s record was respectable on paper — with around 24 wins in 34 matches — but the results failed to deliver the consistency and silverware expected by Real Madrid’s hierarchy and fanbase.
Tensions had arisen between Alonso and senior players, with disagreements over tactical setups, training methods and personnel management. Pundits have pointed to a disconnect between Alonso’s ideals and the dressing room’s expectations — especially among high-profile stars.
Some commentators claimed that certain players were resistant to Alonso’s rigorous demands and tactical discipline, which contributed to a lack of cohesion on the pitch.
The decision to part ways with Alonso reflects Real Madrid’s low tolerance for underperformance — especially given the club’s stature and high expectations domestically and in Europe. While Alonso remains a respected figure, his inability to convert early promise into tangible success ultimately cost him the job.
For Real Madrid, the immediate focus shifts to stabilising their La Liga campaign, improving their Champions League prospects, and navigating the Copa del Rey with a fresh approach under Arbeloa. For Alonso, his strong reputation means he will almost certainly attract attention from other top clubs in the near future.
######
