Real Madrid have sacked their head coach, Xabi Alonso, bringing an abrupt end to his time in charge of the Spanish giants. The decision was announced less than 24 hours after the club lost 3-2 to rivals Barcelona in the Supercopa final.
In an official statement released on Sunday, Real Madrid said the decision was reached by mutual agreement between both parties.
“Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach,” the statement read.
“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
The decision follows growing pressure on the former Spain international, whose team has struggled for consistency this season despite having a squad filled with top stars.
The final straw appeared to be Saturday night’s defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa final. Madrid led at different points in the game but were eventually beaten 3-2 by their fierce rivals. The loss denied them a chance to lift an early-season trophy and further increased frustration among fans and club officials.
After the match, Alonso raised eyebrows when he described the Supercopa as “the least important” competition Real Madrid would play this season. His comments did not go down well with many supporters, who felt the club should always fight to win every trophy, regardless of its status.
Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder and Champions League winner with the club, took over as manager with high expectations. His appointment was seen as part of a new era, with hopes that his deep understanding of the club and modern football ideas would restore Madrid’s dominance.
However, results on the pitch failed to meet expectations. In LaLiga, Real Madrid have struggled to keep pace with Barcelona and other title challengers. Dropped points against smaller teams and defensive mistakes have cost them valuable ground in the title race.
Their Champions League campaign has also been unconvincing. While Madrid managed to qualify from their group, performances were often below the standard expected from a club that prides itself as the most successful in European football history.
Sources close to the club say the Madrid board had been monitoring Alonso’s position for weeks. The Supercopa defeat only sped up a decision that many believed was already coming.
Real Madrid are known for their high standards and low tolerance for poor results, especially when trophies are at stake. Even club legends are not spared when performances fall short, and Alonso’s case appears to follow that long tradition.
The timing of the sacking has also raised questions. Madrid are set to face Albacete in a Copa del Rey Round of 16 match in just two days. The club is expected to announce an interim coach or a permanent replacement soon to prepare the team for the cup tie.
For Alonso, the dismissal is a painful setback in his young coaching career. Before taking the Madrid job, he was widely praised for his work at Bayer Leverkusen, where he impressed with his tactical ideas and calm leadership. His move to Madrid was seen as a major step forward.
Despite the disappointing end, many believe Alonso still has a bright future in management. His football intelligence, experience at the highest level, and respect within the game are likely to earn him another top job in the future.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions to the news. While some believe the club had no choice due to poor results, others feel Alonso was not given enough time to build his team and settle into the role.
“He is a club legend and deserved more patience,” said one Madrid fan on social media. “But this is Real Madrid. Results matter more than anything else.”
Others argued that the club’s problems go beyond the coach and include squad balance, injuries, and high expectations that are difficult to meet.
As Real Madrid move on, attention will now turn to who replaces Alonso. Names of experienced managers and former club players are already being mentioned by Spanish media, as the club looks to steady the ship and salvage the season.
For now, Xabi Alonso leaves the Santiago Bernabéu with his reputation bruised but not broken. His short spell as Real Madrid coach will be remembered as a difficult chapter, but one that is unlikely to define his entire managerial career.
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