Xabi Alonso Departs as Real Madrid Manager

Managerial Changes at Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso, who transitioned to Real Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025, faced challenges in securing full backing from his team. A prolonged disagreement with Vinicius Junior regarding playing time attracted significant attention, overshadowing the team’s performance on the pitch during the early stages of the season.

Pressure on the Coach

Alonso encountered a lack of camaraderie from players, coupled with mediocre results that left the squad trailing behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race. This situation put him under substantial pressure. However, as 2026 began, his position seemed secure following a stronger sequence of results.

The momentum shifted dramatically after Los Blancos suffered a defeat to Barcelona in the Super Cup final, leading to the announcement of Alonso’s departure.

Official Statement from Real Madrid

In an official announcement, Real Madrid stated:
“Real Madrid C. F. would like to announce that, by mutual agreement with Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to conclude his tenure as the first team coach.”

The statement continued:
“Xabi Alonso will always be cherished and respected by all Madridistas as a Real Madrid legend, embodying the values of our club. Real Madrid will forever be his home.”

They extended gratitude towards Alonso and his coaching staff for their dedication and hard work during this period, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

New Appointment

Alonso’s replacement will be his former teammate, Álvaro Arbeloa, who has been managing Real Madrid’s B-team since May 2025. Arbeloa returned to the club as a coach in 2020, first taking the reins of the under-14 team, then becoming the under-19 manager two years later. His promotion to the B-team manager in May saw him lead the squad to 10 victories, one draw, and eight defeats in 19 matches, along with multiple league titles and cups across his youth team responsibilities.

Background on Alonso’s Tenure

Xabi Alonso, who represented Real Madrid in 158 matches during his playing career, took over as head coach from Carlo Ancelotti, now the Brazil national team coach, on June 1 with a three-year contract following his impressive stint at Bayer Leverkusen. His first major challenge was the Club World Cup, where the team faced a disappointing 4-0 loss against PSG in the semi-finals, generating early discontent among fans.

Alonso’s coaching approach, described as more intense compared to Ancelotti’s style, seemed to unsettle players in the Real Madrid dressing room, who appeared to favor a more laid-back environment concerning both training and tactical approaches. Despite starting the league campaign positively, earning the LaLiga Manager of the Month award in August, subsequent defeats, including a loss to local rivals Atletico Madrid and draws against teams like Girona and Elche, along with reported dissent among players, led to speculation regarding his future.

While initial rumors subsided following a successful festive period, the defeat to Barcelona in the Super Cup final ultimately sealed Alonso’s fate.