Real Madrid have confirmed that Xabi Alonso has left his position as head coach of the first team following a mutual agreement between both parties.
In an official statement, the club said Alonso would always have the affection and admiration of Real Madrid due to his status as a club legend and for consistently representing the values of the institution.
The statement added that Real Madrid will always be his home and thanked Alonso and his entire technical staff for their work and dedication, wishing them success in the next stage of their careers.
According to Diario AS, the decision to leave was taken by Alonso himself.
Reports suggest the announcement has sent shockwaves through the Real Madrid dressing room. Journalist Eduardo Aguirre reported that players were left stunned by the news.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Alonso’s relationship with parts of the squad had been strained for some time, dating back to the Club World Cup. Fabrizio Romano reports that several players did not fully agree with the coach’s tactical and technical ideas. Alonso was keen to implement his own model, but the squad was accustomed to a different approach. With little sign that the team was adapting or fully accepting his methods, Alonso chose to step away.
Further details reported by Eduardo Aguirre point to issues during training sessions. Some senior players were said to lack intensity, arriving late, leaving immediately after sessions and showing limited engagement.
Alonso, alongside his assistant and fitness coach, reportedly had to repeatedly insist on gym work, pressing drills and tactical exercises.
Álvaro Arbeloa is set to take over as Real Madrid’s new head coach and is understood to be enthusiastic about the role. Sources at the club suggest Arbeloa’s approach is closer to the model previously used by Carlo Ancelotti, in contrast to Alonso’s desire to impose a distinct tactical identity.
The change marks a significant moment for Real Madrid as they move quickly to stabilise the team following Alonso’s departure.