Real Madrid parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso due to another ‘misstep’ after Sunday’s loss against Barcelona, according to reports.
Alonso had a difficult start at Real Madrid, whose struggles from last season have carried over into this campaign.
Last term, former boss Carlo Ancelotti oversaw a disappointing campaign as Los Blancos lacked balance following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and failed to win a trophy.
This problem remained during Alonso’s reign, while the former Bayer Leverkusen boss has also clashed with several players, including Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid are currently four points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona after 19 games, while they are seventh in the Champions League group phase.
The Spanish giants are still in the Copa del Rey, but they lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday.
That defeat fuelled fresh speculation surrounding Alonso’s future at Real Madrid, with Jurgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane mooted as potential replacements.
Madrid announced on Monday that Alonso has left by mutual concent, hours after a report from an outlet in Spain claimed ‘it’s understood that another misstep could be the final straw’ as he is ‘walking a tightrope’ and ‘any false move’ could result in his sacking.
Klopp and Zidane have been linked, but current Real Madrid Castilla boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who used to play for Liverpool, is perhaps the most likely replacement and the outlet claims he’s the ‘favourite’.
It is also noted that Arbeloa has ‘rejected offers’ from other clubs as he is ‘awaiting a call’ from Real Madrid to replace Alonso.
The report explains: ‘Arbeloa understands that his profile fits what Real Madrid is looking for: knowledge of the club, leadership, and a footballing philosophy aligned with the club’s values.
‘Furthermore, his work at the helm of Castilla is highly valued for the positive sporting results and the development of the club’s promising young players. Real Madrid appreciates his deep-rooted commitment to the club and his ability to instil high standards in the dressing room.’
Madrid confirmed shortly after the news of Alonso’s departure that Arbeloa has taken charge.
A club statement read:
Real Madrid CF announces that Álvaro Arbeloa is the new first team coach.
Álvaro Arbeloa has been the manager of Castilla since June 2025, and has spent his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s youth academy since 2020. He managed the Infantil A team in the 2020-2021 season, winning the league title, the Cadete A team in 2021-2022, and the Juvenil A team from 2022 to 2025. As Juvenil A manager, he achieved the treble in 2022-2023 (League, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup) and the League title in the 2024-2025 season.
