Xabi Alonso has left his post as Real Madrid manager by mutual agreement, less than 24 hours after his side’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Cup.
Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid
• Departure confirmed: Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso have parted ways by “mutual agreement” just seven months after his appointment – ex-Red Alvaro Arbeloa promoted.
• Short tenure: Alonso’s exit follows a 3-2 Super Cup defeat to Barcelona; he oversaw only 28 games, winning 20 and losing five.
• Past interest: Alonso was reported to be Liverpool’s ‘leading candidate’ to replace Jurgen Klopp in 2024 before eventually choosing Madrid over the Reds and Bayern Munich.
The former Liverpool midfielder’s job security had been anything but assured in his debut campaign at the Bernabeu, due to a variety of factors including results and player relations.
Sunday saw Real Madrid lose 3-2 to Barcelona in the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, and it saw doubts over Alonso’s position re-emerge, despite a run of five consecutive wins prior to the final.
On Monday evening, Real Madrid announced that Alonso had left the club “by mutual agreement,” just seven months and 28 games on from his appointment.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso gestures on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday November 4, 2025.
Their statement reads: “Real Madrid C.F. communicates that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as coach of the first team.
“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Real Madrid because he is a legend of Real Madrid and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and all his technical team for their work and dedication throughout this time, and wishes them good luck in this new stage of their lives.”
Alonso oversaw a total of 28 games at Real Madrid, winning 20 and losing only 5, but his return to the Spanish side was readily defined by friction with high-profile players.
His former Liverpool teammate, Alvaro Arbeloa, now takes replaces Alonso after being promoted from reserve team head coach.
Liverpool manager search: Xabi Alonso was a “leading candidate”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (L) embraces Bayer Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso before the UEFA Champions League game between Liverpool FC and Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
After Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to leave Liverpool in January 2024, Alonso was quickly regarded a frontrunner thanks to his impressive resume at Bayer Leverkusen.
The *Times*‘ Paul Joyce, the *Telegraph*‘s Chris Bascombe and the *Guardian*‘s Andy Hunter were among those to report Alonso was the club’s leading managerial candidate.
Bayern Munich were also interested in his services, but the former Liverpool player, knowing the interest was growing, declared in March 2024 that he was staying at Leverkusen.
It was believed at the time, and later came to fruition, that he was eyeing the opportunity to join Real Madrid, which he did at the end of May last year.
Liverpool’s search, of course, took them to Arne Slot and the Dutchman went on to win the Premier League title in his first season, though now finds his own position under the microscope.
Alonso’s availability will inevitably lead to links to Liverpool once more, with Slot’s position still under threat despite the current 10-game unbeaten run.