Xabi Alonso thanked Real Madrid, the players, and fans on Tuesday (January 13) in his first statement since being relieved of his duties as the head coach of the La Liga club. Alonso said that he was leaving the role with ‘respect, gratitude and pride’ for he gave his best shot to the job.
Madrid confirmed on Monday that Alonso had left the club by mutual consent, with former defender Álvaro Arbeloa named as his replacement following Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona. Alonso’s exit came less than eight months into his tenure, which began last June after he succeeded Carlo Ancelotti.
“This professional stage is over, and it didn’t go as we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility. I thank
the club, the players and above all the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.”
Despite arriving on a three-year contract and carrying high expectations after his Bundesliga-winning spell at Bayer Leverkusen, the Basque coach struggled to deliver consistency. Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona, and were beaten 3-2 by their rivals in Jeddah in what proved to be Alonso’s final match.
His spell was marked by the occasional heavy defeat, which was more than what’s usually digested in Madrid. Although Alonso managed a largely injury-hit squad,
In a separate announcement, the club confirmed Arbeloa’s promotion from Castilla, where he has coached since June 2025 after progressing through Madrid’s academy ranks. The 42-year-old’s contract length was not disclosed, and his first game in charge will be Wednesday’s Copa del Rey last-16 tie away to Albacete.
Arbeloa made 238 appearances for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016, winning two Champions League titles, La Liga and multiple domestic trophies. A former teammate of Alonso at Liverpool and the Spain national team, he also enjoyed major international success, lifting the World Cup in 2010 and European Championships in 2008 and 2012 alongside Alonso.
