Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid
The Los Blancos boss has departed his role after the Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona
Real Madrid have confirmed the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso with immediate effect.
The 44-year-old was in charge for just eight months but has endured a tough time in charge of the Spanish giants.
Madrid were on the end of a Spanish Super Cup loss to rivals Barcelona on Sunday night, a match which proved to be the final straw for the former Bayer Leverkusen boss.
Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti last summer, departs having overseen 34 matches in all competitions, winning 24 of them, but with pressure mounting in recent weeks after a run of damaging results.
In a statement, Real said: “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 coaching staff for their work and dedication throughout this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
Alonso spent five years at the Bernabeu as a player and returned to the club last summer after leading Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024.
Despite a strong overall record, his side were booed off the pitch following a defeat by Celta Vigo last month, which prompted an emergency meeting among senior figures at the club.
Earlier in the season, Real also suffered a heavy 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid and were beaten by both Liverpool and Manchester City in the Champions League.
Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid and Spain full-back, has been promoted from his role coaching the club’s B team. The 42-year-old has been part of Real’s youth setup since 2020 and takes charge of the first team for the first time in his coaching career.
The former defender, who won two Champions League titles during his playing career at Real and lifted the World Cup with Spain in 2010, will be in the dugout immediately. His first match in charge will come on Wednesday, when Real travel to second-division Albacete in the Copa del Rey last-16.