Xabi Alonso breaks silence on Real Madrid sacking and sends message to players

Xabi Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid the day after losing the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona, who the 15-time European champions trail by four points in La Liga

Xabi Alonso has broken his silence after being ruthlessly sacked by Real Madrid after just seven months. Alonso, 44, was given the chop by club president Florentino Perez after Real lost Sunday's the Spanish Super Cup final to arch enemies Barcelona 3-2.

The Spaniard, who played for Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014, only took charge in June. Alonso won 24 of his 34 matches in the Bernabeu hot seat, losing just six.

But behind-the-scenes discontent and accusations that the former Liverpool star hadn't gained the respect of the club's senior players spelled the end. Alonso has now addressed his departure on Instagram.

"This chapter of my career has come to an end, and it hasn't gone as we would have liked," he posted. "Coaching Real Madrid has been both an honour and a responsibility.

"I thank the club, the players, and above all, the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best."

Real had considered sacking Alonso last month, having fallen four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race. But three wins before the winter break gave the ex-midfielder a stay of execution.

Los Blancos edged past local rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals but were outplayed by Hansi Flick's in-form Barca. Two goals from Raphinha and one from Robert Lewandowski was enough to beat Real, ultimately bringing the curtain down on Alonso's tempestuous reign.

Real have appointed reserve team boss Alvaro Arbeloa as their new manager. Former Premier League star Arbeloa played alongside Alonso at both Liverpool and Real.

Was Xabi Alonso's sacking unfair? Have your say in the comments section.

Alonso's stock has plummeted since returning to the Bernabeu, having come off a spectacular spell with Bayer Leverkusen, his first senior managerial role. He led the German side to the Bundesliga title in his first full season, ending Bayern Munich's stronghold.

Leverkusen went unbeaten throughout the entire domestic season, also winning the DFB Pokal. Their only defeat came in the 2024 Europa League final, losing to Atalanta.

Last term, Alonso led Leverkusen to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga. Real snapped him up after parting ways with legendary boss Carlo Ancelotti, who's now in charge of Brazil.

Alonso was reluctant to take over in time for last summer's Club World Cup but he was given no option by Perez and the rest of the club's hierarchy. Real reached the semi-finals before being smashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain.

Los Blancos began the season on fire with seven successive wins before losing the Madrid derby 5-2. In November, Real won just two of their six games before starting December with two defeats in three.

Until their loss to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia, they'd won five in a row. But Arbeola will be in the dugout when the 15-time European champions travel to second-tier outfit Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

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