Xabi Alonso has officially stepped down as Real Madrid manager after a brief tenure of just eight months, with the club confirming that his departure was by mutual consent.
Alonso’s exit comes after a challenging period at the Bernabéu, which was marked by inconsistent results, mounting pressure from fans and the media, and high expectations that the team struggled to meet at crucial moments in domestic and European competitions.
Arbeloa promoted to first-team role
Shortly after announcing Alonso’s resignation, Real Madrid confirmed that Alvaro Arbeloa has been promoted to take over as head coach of the first team.
The former Spain international, who previously managed the club’s B team, will assume full managerial duties immediately, beginning with Wednesday’s Copa del Rey round-of-16 fixture against Albacete, which will be played away from home.
Arbeloa, 42, has been integrated into Real Madrid’s coaching structure since 2020, working with youth and reserve squads. However, this marks his first managerial role at senior top-flight level, putting him in the spotlight in one of Europe’s most high-pressure football environments.
As a player, Arbeloa had a distinguished career, winning multiple major trophies including two UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and two UEFA European Championships with Spain. His experience at the highest level is expected to provide valuable leadership as he navigates his first season in charge of a senior team under intense scrutiny.
Alonso’s brief and pressured tenure
Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti last summer after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024, generating optimism among Real Madrid supporters that he could implement a structured and methodical approach to the squad.
Despite recording 24 wins out of 34 matches in charge, Alonso’s tenure was undermined by high-profile defeats and mounting internal tension. The team fell short in key matches, including heavy losses against Atletico Madrid in La Liga and defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.
The club also trailed rivals Barcelona by four points in La Liga and suffered a defeat to the same club in the Spanish Super Cup final, increasing pressure on the manager. In addition, fans expressed their discontent during league matches, including a notable moment when they booed the team off the pitch after a loss to Celta Vigo last month.
BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague suggested that Alonso’s downfall stemmed from “a clash between a coach with a clear methodology and players who want to rely on instinct,” highlighting the challenges he faced in managing a squad of experienced stars with strong individual preferences.
Club reaction
In an official statement, Real Madrid expressed gratitude for Alonso’s contributions and professionalism during his tenure, emphasizing that he “will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans” and reaffirming that the club “will always be his home.”
While the focus now shifts to Arbeloa, he inherits a squad under significant pressure with high expectations. The season remains alive across domestic competitions and in Europe, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the new manager to establish his authority and stabilize the team’s performance.
Observers will be watching closely to see how Arbeloa adapts to the demands of managing one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs, balancing the need for immediate results with long-term tactical implementation and player management in a highly scrutinized environment.