Real Madrid C. F. has confirmed the departure of Xabi Alonso as head coach of the first team by mutual agreement, bringing an end to a turbulent stint in charge that lasted just seven months and 34 matches. The change comes amid growing pressure following a string of disappointing results, most recently a 3–2 loss to arch-rivals FC Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final.
Alvaro Arbeloa, a former Madrid and Spain defender currently managing Real Madrid Castilla, has been named Alonso’s successor with immediate effect. The club thanked Alonso and his coaching staff for their efforts and wished them well in their next chapter.
Alonso’s Short Tenure: What Happened?
Xabi Alonso arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu in June 2025 on a three-year contract after a highly successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and the German Super Cup, and guided the club through an impressive unbeaten domestic run.
At Real Madrid:
Matches in charge: ~34
Wins: 24
Draws: 4
Losses: 6 — giving him one of the best win rates for a Madrid coach in recent years.
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Despite this record, the team’s performances were inconsistent across major competitions. Real Madrid are currently second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by four points at the mid-season mark, and have suffered defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League — leaving their European ambitions under threat.
Key Moments and Pressure Points
Supercopa Defeat: The 3–2 loss to Barcelona, less than 24 hours before his departure announcement, appears to have been the catalyst for the decision.
Champions League Struggles: Madrid’s inconsistent European form, including elimination threats and tactical miscues, added scrutiny.
Internal Dynamics: Reports of strategic disagreements and player management tensions — including with key stars — have circulated in the background, though the club’s official statement kept the narrative focused on mutual consent.
At a club where expectations are trophy-driven and managerial patience is limited, Alonso’s inability to deliver silverware — despite a strong overall win rate — likely weighed heavily on the decision. Historical context shows Real Madrid rarely retains a head coach beyond a trophyless season under long-time president Florentino Pérez.
Successor: Álvaro Arbeloa Steps Up
Real Madrid have promoted Álvaro Arbeloa to take charge of the first team. Arbeloa’s coaching résumé includes significant success with Madrid’s youth sides and Castilla, and he remains a respected figure within the club’s fabric. His first assignment will be in the Copa del Rey last 16 tie against Albacete.
As a player, Arbeloa featured in 238 competitive matches for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016, winning two UEFA Champions League titles, La Liga, and other major honours.
What This Means for Real Madrid
The managerial change underscores Real Madrid’s intolerance for underperformance, even when results aren’t disastrous by traditional metrics. Finishing second in La Liga and remaining competitive in Europe might be acceptable elsewhere, but for Los Blancos such outcomes often fall short of expectations. With Arbeloa now at the helm, the club will look to stabilize results and maintain pressure on rivals domestically and in Europe as the season progresses.
