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Xabi Alonso Exits Real Madrid; Arbeloa Takes Helm

1/14/2026

Summary

Alonso Exits Madrid

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid manager, left Real Madrid after seven months following a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España.
Despite achieving 24 wins in 34 matches, Alonso faced locker room tensions, particularly with Vinícius Júnior.
Kylian Mbappé publicly praised Alonso, highlighting a disconnect between player performance and managerial authority.
Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the manager, tasked with restoring team cohesion amid scrutiny of the club's culture.

Summary

Klopp Dismisses Madrid

Jurgen Klopp distanced himself from Real Madrid's managerial vacancy after Xabi Alonso's six-month tenure.
Klopp, Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, confirmed he received inquiries about the job, but they did not come from Madrid.
He expressed surprise at Alonso's exit, noting the club's immense pressure.
Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as interim manager.
Alonso's dismissal has sparked speculation about his next move, with links to Liverpool and Manchester United.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, Real Madrid appointed Zinedine Zidane as manager, following Carlo Ancelotti's dismissal after a trophyless season. Zidane led the team to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018, highlighting the club's high expectations. However, the recent departure of Xabi Alonso after just seven months reflects ongoing challenges in maintaining team cohesion amid intense pressure to deliver results.

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Alonso Exits Madrid

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid manager, left Real Madrid after seven months following a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España.
Despite achieving 24 wins in 34 matches, Alonso faced locker room tensions, particularly with Vinícius Júnior.
Kylian Mbappé publicly praised Alonso, highlighting a disconnect between player performance and managerial authority.
Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the manager, tasked with restoring team cohesion amid scrutiny of the club's culture.

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