Xabi Alonso quits as Real Madrid coach; Arbeloa takes over
His departure comes following Real’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, which had raised questions about his future.
KATHMANDU: Real Madrid has announced that coach Xabi Alonso has left his position by mutual agreement, less than eight months after taking charge of the club.
Former player Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the new head coach.
Alonso, 44, took over from Carlo Ancelotti in May last year.
His departure comes following Real’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, which had raised questions about his future.
In La Liga, Real Madrid currently trails rivals Barcelona by four points at the top of the table.
Reports suggest tensions had arisen between Alonso and striker Kylian Mbappe over tactical decisions ahead of the Super Cup final.
Additionally, disagreements with club president Florentino Perez reportedly contributed to the split.
In an official statement, Real Madrid described Alonso as a “club legend”, praised his contributions, and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Under Alonso, Real won 24 of 34 matches. However, high-profile losses this season, including a 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, setbacks against Celta Vigo, and Champions League defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City, had increased pressure on the coach.
Arbeloa, 42, previously managed Real Madrid’s B team and will take charge of the senior squad for the first time.
