Xabi Alonso has left his position as Real Madrid manager after just eight months in charge. The Spaniard leaves his role less than 24 hours after losing the Spanish Supercup final to Barcelona.
Alonso had come under increasing pressure in recent weeks amid rumours of a rift with his players and the defeat in El Clasico has proven to be the final straw.
Madrid announced that Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Los Blancos as a player, has left the club this evening ‘by mutual agreement’.
Xabi Alonso walks with Madrid’s runners up medal around his neck following the Spanish Super Cup Final loss against FC Barcelona. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Alvaro Arbeloa, who played with Alonso during their days together at Liverpool, has been appointed as his permanent successor. The 42-year-old has been working with Madrid’s academy since 2020 and has been in charge of Castilla, the club’s B-team, since last summer.
A statement read: ‘Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first-team coach
‘Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
‘Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.’
