Football/ Alonso departs Real Madrid after seven months; Arbeloa steps up
Xabi Alonso has left his role as Real Madrid head coach after just seven months, the club announced following their Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona.
The departure, confirmed by “mutual agreement,” comes amid reported tensions, including footage appearing to show star forward Kylian Mbappé ignoring Alonso post-match. Mbappé later thanked Alonso on social media, calling him a manager with “clear ideas.”
Alonso, a club legend as a player, leaves with Madrid second in La Liga and through their Champions’ League group.
He succeeded Carlo Ancelotti last summer after a historic double with Bayer Leverkusen.
He is immediately replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa, promoted from his role as Real Madrid Castilla (B team) coach.
The 42-year-old former Madrid and Spain defender, once a teammate of Alonso’s, has impressed in the academy, guiding the U-19s to a treble in 2023.
The swift change places Arbeloa at the helm of the senior squad as the season reaches its crucial midpoint.
