In a surprising turn of events, Real Madrid announced on Monday that Xabi Alonso would no longer serve as the club's head coach, ending his tenure after
just over seven months.
The decision, described as a mutual agreement between Alonso and the club, came less than 24 hours after a disappointing 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia. This loss appears to have been the tipping point in a season marked by inconsistent performances and mounting pressure on the former midfielder turned manager.
Alonso, a Real Madrid legend who played for the club between 2009 and 2014, returned to the Santiago Bernabeu with high expectations in May 2025. He signed a contract running until June 2028, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti amid promises of a fresh tactical approach inspired by his successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the team to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024.
However, the transition proved challenging. Real Madrid's campaign under Alonso was plagued by defensive vulnerabilities, midfield disorganization, and an inability to consistently integrate star players like Kylian Mbappe and VinÍcius Júnior into a cohesive unit. The team cuurrently sit third in La Liga standings, trailing leaders Barcelona by seven points. Alvaro Arbeloa has replaced Xabi at the helm.
Why has Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso?
Critics pointed to Alonso's tactical rigidity as a key issue. His preference for a high-pressing, possession-based style, effective at Leverkusen, faltered against top European opposition. In the Champions League, Madrid scraped through the group stage but conceded more goals than in previous seasons under Ancelotti. Fan discontent grew audible, with sections of the Bernabeu faithful chanting for change during home games.
Reports suggest internal friction also played a role; Alonso reportedly clashed with club president Florentino Perez over transfer strategies, particularly the need for midfield reinforcements amid aging stars like Luka Modric.
The club's official statement expressed gratitude, noting Alonso's embodiment of Madridista values and affirming that "Real Madrid will always be his home. " Yet, the swift announcement underscores Perez's zero-tolerance policy for underperformance, a pattern seen in past managerial changes. Alonso's record stood at 24 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses in 34 games, a respectable tally on paper but insufficient for a club chasing multiple trophies.
