Real Madrid has parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso after just seven months in charge. The 44-year-old former Spanish international was appointed in June but was relieved of his duties following a defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. During his brief tenure, Real Madrid played 34 matches, winning 24, drawing 4, and losing 6. Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as his successor.
Mbappé Refuses to Acknowledge Alonso
A video from the Spanish Super Cup final has gone viral, showing Alonso requesting his players to give Barcelona a ‘guard of honour’ after the match. However, Kylian Mbappé refused to comply, instructing his teammates to return to the dressing room after receiving their runner-up medals. Alonso, attempting to follow the team, was left behind as Mbappé led his teammates away.
Tensions in the Dressing Room
Reports indicate that Alonso had lost control of the dressing room. Several players were reportedly unhappy with his management style. In October, when Vinícius Júnior was substituted, he left directly for the tunnel and did not apologize to Alonso, despite later apologizing to the club. Senior players, including Federico Valverde, were reportedly dissatisfied with Alonso’s rotation policy and tactical system.
Xabi Alonso: A Football Legend
Alonso is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. He was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad and played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2015, appearing in 158 matches. He also had successful stints at Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Before joining Real Madrid as manager, Alonso led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season.
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