Xabi Alonso sacked as Real Madrid release bombshell statement

Xabi Alonso sacked by Real Madrid after Barcelona defeat and Vinicius row

Xabi Alonso only joined Real Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer but the former midfielder has already departed the Santiago Bernabeu following a disappointing first season

Real Madrid have sacked manager Xabi Alonso in the aftermath of their Spanish Super Cup defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Barcelona. The Spaniard was only appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement in the summer after a hugely successful spell with German side Bayern Leverkusen.

But following a disappointing season in which Real Madrid have lagged behind Barcelona in the league and suffered a 3-2 defeat to the Catalans in the Spanish Super Cup, Real have decided to do away with Alonso's services just eight months into a three-year deal.

A club 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.

"We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives."

Alonso has been replaced by former Real and Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been promoted from his position as Madrid's reserves coach, having worked in the academy since 2020.

The Spanish giants are back in action in midweek as they take on Albacete in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. Their next league game pits them against Levante at home at the weekend.

Away from a clutch of disappointing results, Alonso's spell at the Bernabeu has been impacted by a frosty relationship with winger Vinicius Jr.

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The Brazilian forward had an angry reaction to his substitution vs Barcelona back in October and appeared to claim he wanted to leave the club. He issued an apology in the aftermath of that outburst but notably left Alonso out of his statement.

But Alonso did not appear to take it to heart and considered the matter closed just days later. He said: "Has Vinicius apologised to me?

“We had a meeting with everyone on Wednesday, and Vinicius was impeccable. He spoke honestly and was very good. For me, that settles the matter."

Alonso in the meantime will consider the next stage of his coaching career. The 44-year-old commenced his post-playing career with Real Sociedad's B team before joining Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022.

He enhanced his reputation in Germany, overseeing 140 games as Leverkusen coach. In that time, he won the German Cup, German Supercup and led the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga campaign in 2023/24. Alonso also helped the side reach that season's Europa League final, where they were beaten by Atalanta.

The former midfielder has regularly been linked with a move to Liverpool, having enjoyed a glittering spell at Anfield as a player.

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