Xabi Alonso’s Brief Tenure at Real Madrid Ends Amid Struggles

Recent reports from Spain indicated that Real Madrid was prepared to give Xabi Alonso time to rectify the team’s performance issues, following his return to the club in the summer of 2025. However, Alonso’s tenure was unexpectedly cut short after just eight months.

The pressure intensified as the 44-year-old failed to achieve consistent positive results, culminating in a disappointing 3-2 loss to Barcelona that marked a decisive turning point in his coaching career. With major silverware now seemingly out of reach, Alonso’s departure was described as occurring by “mutual agreement,” though some speculate that he may have been compelled to leave rather than choosing to step down.

In the wake of Alonso’s exit, Real Madrid is actively seeking a new permanent manager, having temporarily appointed former defender Alvaro Arbeloa as caretaker.

World Cup champion Kylian Mbappe publicly acknowledged Alonso’s contributions, stating, “It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you. Thank you for giving me the confidence since Day 1. I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter.” Under Alonso’s leadership, Mbappe had an impressive season, scoring 29 goals and providing five assists in just 25 matches, although it was reported that tensions arose between them at times.

According to BBC Sport, sources revealed that Alonso had tactical disagreements with Mbappe and also clashed with club president Florentino Perez shortly before the decision to part ways was reached. Notably, Mbappe appeared to challenge Alonso’s authority during the Super Cup final against Barcelona when he dismissed the notion of forming a guard of honor for the victors.

After leaving Bayer Leverkusen, where he had achieved Bundesliga success, Alonso struggled to transition back to his home country. His tenure began with a successful run to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, winning 13 of his first 14 matches in domestic competitions. However, a Champions League defeat to Liverpool in November and only two wins in eight subsequent games led to growing concerns among key players about Alonso’s tactics, particularly his preference for a build-from-the-back approach. Brazilian forward Vinicius Júnior expressed frustration following a substitution in a Clasico match, though he later apologized for his behavior.

Despite a brief resurgence during the festive season, where the team secured five consecutive wins, Alonso’s fate was sealed following another derby loss.

Real Madrid released an official statement saying: “Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first-team coach. Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home. Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”

The club’s next steps regarding a permanent appointment remain uncertain, particularly concerning the challenge of maintaining player satisfaction and competing for major titles both domestically and internationally.