Xabi Alonso Departs Real Madrid; Alvaro Arbeloa Takes Charge Amid Speculation of Future Management

After months of speculation regarding his future, Xabi Alonso has departed from his role as head coach of Real Madrid, effective Monday. The club stated that the decision was made by “mutual consent”, although reports suggest that Alonso’s dismissal followed the team’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.

In a statement, Real Madrid expressed: “Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend who has consistently embodied the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.”

The club extended its gratitude to Alonso and his coaching staff for their efforts, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Alonso, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti in June 2025 after a successful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double, will be replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa’s tenure has begun under challenging circumstances, as Real Madrid faced a surprising 3-2 defeat against second division team Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

The terms of Arbeloa’s contract remain undisclosed, leading to speculation that Real Madrid is considering various options for a long-term managerial solution following Alonso’s exit.

One prominent name linked to a potential move to Real Madrid is Jürgen Klopp, who has been without a club since leaving Liverpool after the 2023-24 Premier League season. Klopp is highly regarded, having led Liverpool to numerous titles, including their first Premier League championship in 30 years during the 2019-20 season.

Prior to his time at Anfield, Klopp managed Borussia Dortmund, securing back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010-11 and 2011-12. Amid rampant speculation, Klopp recently addressed questions about his future during an interview while attending an NBA game in Berlin, responding with characteristic humor when asked about Real Madrid.

While it remains uncertain whether Real Madrid is keen on appointing Klopp, the club will aim to bounce back when they host Levante at the Bernabéu this Saturday. Currently trailing rivals Barcelona by four points, Arbeloa’s team will also prepare for a Champions League match against Monaco next Tuesday, as they strive to secure a place in the last-16 stage.

Ahead of the Levante encounter, Arbeloa urged fans to support the players, acknowledging their disappointment: “I understand Madrid fans are hurt and upset with us. But I ask for their support for the players. I hope they can stand by us despite the current disappointments.”