Real Madrid dismisses Xabi Alonso, names Arbeloa as new head coach

Real Madrid have parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso, the club confirmed on Monday. The sudden exit follows a painful defeat to arch-rival Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Former defender and club legend Álvaro Arbeloa, promoted from the youth academy, takes charge immediately. His first match will be a critical Copa del Rey fixture this week.
Real Madrid makes sudden coaching change after Super Cup loss to Barcelona
Real Madrid announced on Monday the immediate departure of first-team manager Xabi Alonso, ending his brief tenure after less than eight months. The decision, reached by mutual agreement, comes directly after the Spanish giants suffered a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final held in Saudi Arabia.
A swift succession plan
In a swift move, the Madrid-based club named Álvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s successor. Arbeloa, a former teammate of Alonso’s at both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, has been the coach of the reserve team, Castilla, since June 2025. The club highlighted his deep roots, noting he has spent his entire coaching career within Real Madrid’s youth academy structure since 2020.
Immediate pressure in cup competition
The new head coach faces immediate pressure, with his first match scheduled for Wednesday. Real Madrid will travel to face Albacete in a high-stakes Copa del Rey round-of-16 clash. This cup tournament represents a quick opportunity for Arbeloa to make his mark and shift focus from the recent Super Cup disappointment.
A legend's farewell
The club’s official statement struck a respectful tone toward the departing Alonso, a former midfield star for the team. "Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club," the statement read, adding, "Real Madrid will always be his home." The managerial change underscores the relentless demand for success at one of the world’s most prestigious football institutions.
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