Shock! Real Madrid sack Xabi Alonso, replacement quickly emerges

The announcement, released via the club's official website, confirmed that Alonso will no longer occupy the "hot seat" at the Santiago Bernabéu. 

Despite the parting of ways, the club emphasized that the 44-year-old tactician remains a revered legend who embodies the core values of the institution. The official statement read:

"Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end. Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home."

This decision has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Prior to this, the Spanish media had unanimously reported that Alonso’s position was secure due to the team's improved performances and a strong recent run of form. 

In fact, Defensa Central recently published a brief interview with President Florentino Pérez at the King Abdullah Sports City, where he reaffirmed the board's total confidence in the manager.

However, the narrative has shifted dramatically. According to journalist Pepe Alvarez, the departure was actually Alonso's own decision. 

Reports suggest the Spaniard felt a lack of genuine support from the club's hierarchy and faced significant resistance within the locker room. Tensions reportedly boiled over with key figures such as Vinicius Jr. and Federico Valverde, leading Alonso to believe that his long-term project was no longer viable. He reportedly chose the aftermath of the Clásico defeat as the moment to step down.

Despite the internal friction, El Chiringuito claims the dressing room was left stunned by the news. Kylian Mbappé was the first player to publicly bid farewell, posting a tribute on Instagram:

"It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you & learn from you. Thank you for giving me 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."

Alonso’s tenure lasted less than 8 months, spanning 34 matches. During this period, he recorded 24 wins, 6 losses, and 4 draws.

To fill the sudden vacuum, Real Madrid have promoted B-team manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Arbeloa returned to the club as a youth coach in 2020 and has since impressed with the Under-19s and Real Madrid Castilla, winning the domestic treble with the Juvenil A side in 2023. 

As a player, Arbeloa represented Los Blancos from 2009 to 2016, making 238 appearances, scoring 6 goals, and winning 8 major trophies, including 2 Champions League titles.

Arbeloa’s debut as first-team manager is expected to take place in just two days, when Real Madrid travel to face Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16.