The football world woke up to a major surprise after Real Madrid officially confirmed that Xabi Alonso is no longer the club’s head coach. His time in charge lasted only eight months, but the impact of his exit is already being felt across Spain and beyond. Fans, former players, and pundits are now asking the same question: why did it end so quickly?
Xabi Alonso, a former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder, took over the job after Carlo Ancelotti stepped aside. Many supporters believed Alonso was the right man to start a new era at the Santiago Bernabéu. He was young, intelligent, respected, and deeply connected to the club’s identity.
However, his short spell as manager was far from smooth. From the very beginning, Alonso faced intense pressure, both on and off the pitch. Real Madrid is a club where success is not optional, and patience is very limited.
One of the moments that increased the pressure was a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in November. For Alonso, that loss was especially painful because of his strong history with the English club. The result raised doubts among Madrid fans and the club’s hierarchy about his ability to handle the biggest nights.
Despite that setback, Alonso managed to win many games afterward. Real Madrid even defeated Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, a result that briefly eased the tension around the club. Still, the atmosphere remained fragile.
Everything came to a head on Sunday night when Real Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona. The match was close, and Madrid pushed hard until the final minutes. Many felt they deserved an equaliser late in the game, but it never came.
Soon after that defeat, the club decided to act. Real Madrid released an official statement confirming Alonso’s departure. The statement read: “Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach.”
The club also made it clear that there was no bad blood. They added: “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.”
Former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman offered an interesting theory about why Alonso’s exit happened so suddenly. Speaking on TNT Sports, McManaman suggested that Alonso’s strong personality may have played a key role.
McManaman explained: “We heard it [Alonso’s potential departure] when they played Manchester City. But since then he’s won a lot of the games. They beat Atletico Madrid in the semi-final the other day. Of course they lost last night [vs Barcelona] but it was a very close game and they probably should have equalised late on.”
He then pointed to deeper issues behind the scenes. “The only thing I would say is that Xabi doesn’t take any nonsense off the people upstairs and he’s quite happy to argue back. So I think in the end it’s probably the best conclusion to what’s been a messy affair.”
According to McManaman, Alonso’s confidence may have worked against him in a club where power politics matter. He added: “Xabi will get another job very quickly, I think he knows that. That’s why he was in a position of power really.”
There had also been rumors linking Alonso with a return to Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. Many fans believed it was only a matter of time before he went back to Anfield. However, Alonso himself made it clear that such a move was never close, and Liverpool eventually appointed Arne Slot as Klopp’s successor.
With Alonso gone, Real Madrid moved quickly to name a replacement. Once again, the club turned to a former Liverpool player. Alvaro Arbeloa, Alonso’s old teammate, has been promoted from the youth setup to become the new first team coach.
In another official statement, Real Madrid said: “Real Madrid CF announces that Alvaro Arbeloa is the new first team coach.” The club highlighted his deep roots within Madrid’s system and his success at youth level.
Arbeloa has managed Castilla since June 2025 and has spent his entire coaching career inside Real Madrid’s academy since 2020. He has won league titles at different youth levels and achieved an impressive treble with the Juvenil A team in the 2022–2023 season.
As a player, Arbeloa was part of one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid’s history. Between 2009 and 2016, he made 238 official appearances and won eight major trophies, including two Champions League titles.
His experience is not limited to club football. With the Spanish national team, Arbeloa was part of a historic generation that won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships in 2008 and 2012. He earned 56 caps for Spain, showing his consistency at the highest level.
For Real Madrid, this appointment feels like a return to familiar values. Arbeloa understands the club’s culture, expectations, and pressure. Unlike Alonso, he has grown within the system and may be more aligned with the club’s leadership.
Xabi Alonso’s story at Real Madrid may have ended quickly, but it is far from over. Many believe he will soon find another top job, possibly in Spain, England, or even Germany. His ideas, leadership, and confidence still make him one of the most exciting young coaches in football.
For now, Real Madrid moves on once again, proving that at this club, even legends are never safe when results, power, and personality collide.
