Xabi Alonso Parts Ways with Real Madrid; Alvaro Arbeloa Takes Over as Head Coach

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Xabi Alonso Parts Ways with Real Madrid; Alvaro Arbeloa Takes Over as Head Coach

2 hours ago

News sources:

BBC

REUTERS

LEMONDE

ALJAZEERA

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Xabi Alonso Parts Ways with Real Madrid; Alvaro Arbeloa Takes Over as Head Coach

Credited from: ALJAZEERA

Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid after eight months following a loss in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Alvaro Arbeloa, former player and reserve team coach, is appointed as the new head coach.
Alonso's tenure ended amid a decline in team performance and reported discord with players.

Xabi Alonso has left his role as head coach of Real Madrid by mutual agreement after less than eight months in charge. This decision follows a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking a difficult end to his brief tenure with the club, according to BBC and Reuters.

The club's official statement expressed that “Xabi Alonso will always have the love and admiration of all Real Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend,” highlighting the enduring respect he holds among the club's supporters. Following Alonso's departure, Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as his successor, moving up from his role as manager of the reserve team, Castilla, according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

Alonso’s short managerial stint began in May when he was appointed to replace Carlo Ancelotti. His tenure included initial successes, such as winning 10 of the first 11 La Liga matches; however, the team struggled significantly afterwards, resulting in their dropping to second place in the league, four points behind Barcelona, and facing challenges in other competitions, according to Anadolu Agency and Channel News Asia.

BBC, Reuters, and Le Monde.