The managerial career of Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid has come to a premature end, with the club confirming his departure on Monday, 13th January 2026.
His exit follows a damaging 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, which proved to be his final match in charge.
A Short Reign and Strained Relationships
Despite a respectable record of 24 wins from 34 games, Alonso's time at the Bernabéu was undermined by significant internal tensions. Reports indicate his relationships with club president Florentino Pérez and star forward Vinícius Júnior had become irreparably damaged, leading to what is described as a mutual decision to part ways.
Spanish media outlet Marca suggested Alonso's tactical vision, which promised high-energy, pressing football, failed to materialise consistently. The team was criticised for lacking vigour and struggling against defensive opponents, ultimately resembling the side from Carlo Ancelotti's final season more than a revitalised project.
Arbeloa Steps Into the Firing Line
In a swift move, Real Madrid have turned to a familiar face to steady the ship. Alvaro Arbeloa, a former teammate of Alonso at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and for Spain, has been promoted from managing the club's reserve side.
His appointment has received a mixed reception. While he is seen as being closely aligned with President Pérez's philosophy—described by sport.es as a manager who "allows star players to play freely" and avoids over-complicated tactics—not everyone is convinced.
Former Madrid defender Iván Helguera publicly mocked the decision on social media, posting Arbeloa's name followed by laughing and facepalm emojis.
Fallout and Future Speculation
Alonso, who seemed unaware of his impending dismissal after the final, stated the team needed to "move on as soon as possible" from the Super Cup loss, calling it "the least important of the competitions." He is now a free agent and has already been linked with a potential return to Liverpool.
Meanwhile, speculation about a bigger name taking the Madrid job persists. Some sections of the press, including Mundo Deportivo, have hinted the club could explore hiring former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. However, Klopp has directly dismissed any link to the vacancy, stating the situation at Madrid "has absolutely nothing to do with me."
The task for Arbeloa is now to salvage a season marked by internal strife and underperformance, stepping into one of football's most pressurised roles under the watchful eye of a demanding president and a sceptical legend.
