Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid

Madrid, Jan 13: Spanish football giants Real Madrid CF on Monday announced that Xabi Alonso has stepped down as the club’s first-team coach by mutual agreement, bringing an end to his brief stint at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The decision comes in the wake of Real Madrid’s 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, coupled with the team slipping four points behind the league leaders in La Liga.

Alonso, who took charge on June 1, 2025, joined the club after an impressive tenure with Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German side to a domestic double and a runner-up finish in the Europa League. Real Madrid, in an official statement, thanked Alonso and his coaching staff for their professionalism and commitment, wishing them success in their future endeavours.

Meanwhile, the club has appointed former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as the new first-team coach. Arbeloa, who has been managing Real Madrid Castilla since June 2025, is a familiar figure within the club setup, having worked extensively with the youth teams and won several titles at various levels.

Real Madrid said the appointment reflects its confidence in Arbeloa’s deep understanding of the club’s philosophy and its long-term vision.