Image Credits: Imago Images
Former Liverpool man Xabi Alonso has released a statement after he was dismissed by Real Madrid on Monday. The club announced the decision on Monday, stating that the split was reached “by mutual agreement,” though Spanish media has widely reported it as a dismissal following the turbulent circumstances surrounding his brief stint in charge.
The 44-year-old Madrid legend’s exit came less than 24 hours after Real Madrid suffered a devastating 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The loss marked Los Blancos’ second consecutive defeat in the final to their arch-rivals, with Barcelona claiming their record-extending 16th triumph in the competition.
Former Liverpool teammate Álvaro Arbeloa has been promoted from the Castilla youth ranks to take over as head coach.
Xabi Alonso has now taken to Instagram to release a statement on parting ways with Los Blancos:
“This professional stage is over, and it didn’t go as we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility.”
“I thank the club, the players and above all the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.”
In his 34 matches across all competitions, Alonso compiled a record of 24 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses. In La Liga specifically, he won 14 of 19 matches, drawing three and losing two, accumulating 45 points from a possible 57.
His losses, however, were almost exclusively to elite opponents – Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid – a pattern that proved fatal to his employment security at a club that demands consistent success against top-tier opposition.
However, Alonso still likely has plenty of admirers owing to his work at Bayer Leverkusen, and he should not have a hard time finding a new club whenever he is ready for a new challenge.
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