Real Madrid have confirmed the departure of head coach Xabi Alonso, ending his tenure at the Bernabéu after less than eight months in charge.
Mutual Agreement Ends Short-Lived Reign
The club announced the decision, reached by mutual consent, in the wake of a painful Spanish Super Cup final defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Alonso, who replaced the departed Carlo Ancelotti in the summer of 2025, had been under growing pressure in recent months.
A statement from the Spanish giants expressed gratitude and respect for the former midfielder, a club legend from his playing days. "Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as coach of the first team," it read. It added that Alonso "will always have the affection and admiration of all madridismo" and that Real Madrid "will always be his home."
A Season of Disappointing Results
Alonso's brief spell in the dugout failed to meet the club's lofty expectations. The team finished as runners-up in LaLiga last season and currently find themselves four points behind defending champions Barcelona in the current campaign.
This season's disappointments include:
- Defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup for the second consecutive year.
- Champions League losses to both Liverpool and Manchester City.
- Domestic league defeats to Atlético Madrid and Celta Vigo.
The Super Cup loss to Hansi Flick's Barcelona appears to have been the final catalyst for the separation.
What Comes Next for Real Madrid?
The search for a new manager begins immediately for the record European champions. The club's statement concluded by thanking Alonso and his entire technical team for their "work and dedication" and wished them well in their future endeavours. The focus now shifts to who will take on one of football's most high-pressure jobs and attempt to close the gap on their Clásico rivals.
