Real Madrid Sacks Alonso: Meet New Manager Arbeloa | Football News

Real Madrid has made a significant change in its coaching staff following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. On a recent Monday, the club announced that Alonso, who had been at the helm for just seven months, left his position by mutual consent. Alvaro Arbeloa, a former player and coach of the club’s reserve team, has been promoted as his replacement.

Alonso’s Tenure at Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Real Madrid’s head coach was marked by great expectations. He signed a three-year contract in May 2025, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti. However, his tenure quickly ran into trouble.

Alonso’s biggest challenge came during the Spanish Super Cup final, where Real Madrid lost 3-2 to Barcelona in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This defeat was a significant blow, particularly given the intense rivalry between the two clubs.

Despite a strong start, including a notable victory in El Clasico, Alonso’s team struggled to maintain form. The squad finished the season poorly, marked by a humiliating 5-2 defeat in a Madrid derby and disappointing draws against lesser-ranked teams.

Key Challenges Faced

• Failure to secure silverware in the Super Cup final against Barcelona.
• Inconsistent performance in La Liga, dropping from a five-point lead to a four-point deficit against Barcelona.
• Losses in critical matches, including a UEFA Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
• Public fallout with star player Vinicius Junior, negatively impacting team dynamics.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s Appointment

In a swift response to the turmoil, Real Madrid has appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach. Arbeloa, who spent seven years as a player at the club, brings a deep understanding of its culture and values.

Having managed Real Madrid’s B team since June 2025, Arbeloa’s experience is primarily limited to youth coaching. He lacks exposure to professional management outside the club’s training facilities.

Expectations for Arbeloa

Although Arbeloa is respected for his previous playing achievements, questions remain about his coaching experience. He must navigate the challenges of managing high-profile players at Real Madrid while proving himself as an effective leader.

Football analysts suggest that his straightforward approach may not resonate well with all players. Arbeloa will need to quickly establish his authority and adapt to the expectations of the Bernabeu audience.

Conclusion

As Real Madrid transitions into this new chapter, the focus will be on Arbeloa’s ability to revitalize the team’s performance. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he takes on this formidable challenge.