Madrid, Jan 12 (NationPress) Real Madrid CF has officially announced the departure of Xabi Alonso from his position as the first team coach, following a mutual agreement that signifies the end of his short-lived tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In an official statement, the club remarked, "Real Madrid CF confirms that, following mutual consent with Xabi Alonso, his tenure as first team coach has concluded." They continued, "Alonso will always hold a special place in the hearts of Madrid supporters, as he is a Real Madrid legend who has consistently embodied the values of our club. Real Madrid will forever be his home."

This decision comes in light of Real Madrid's recent loss to their historic rivals, Barcelona, by a score of 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final last Sunday, which intensified the scrutiny on the coach, especially with Madrid trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga.

Xabi Alonso took the helm at Real Madrid on June 1, 2025, after an impressive stint with Bayer Leverkusen, where he secured a domestic double in the 2023-24 season and led the team to the finals of the Europa League.

His initial period with Real Madrid was promising, reaching the semifinals of the Club World Cup and winning 13 of his first 14 matches, the sole defeat coming against city rivals, Atletico Madrid.

However, Alonso's momentum faltered following a defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on November 4. During a challenging phase, the team secured only two victories in the next eight matches, despite a brief revival with a five-match winning streak that ultimately did not convince the club to retain him long-term.

The club conveyed its gratitude to Alonso and his coaching staff, stating, "We thank Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their dedication and hard work during their time with us and wish them all the best in their future endeavors."

In quick succession to Alonso's departure, Real Madrid declared Álvaro Arbeloa as the new first team coach. "Real Madrid CF confirms that Álvaro Arbeloa is appointed as the new first team coach," the club announced.

Álvaro Arbeloa has been managing Castilla since June 2025 and has dedicated his coaching career to Real Madrid's youth academy since 2020.

He guided the Infantil A team to a league title during the 2020-2021 season, the Cadete A team in 2021-2022, and the Juvenil A team from 2022 to 2025.

As a Juvenil manager, he accomplished a treble in the 2022-2023 season (including the League, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup) and won the League title in the 2024-2025 season. Arbeloa was part of a highly successful period in Real Madrid's history as a player, donning the club's colors from 2009 to 2016, making 238 official appearances, and winning eight major trophies, including two Champions League titles and La Liga.

He also had a commendable international career with Spain, earning 56 caps and celebrating victories in the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.