Xabi Alonso has left his role as Real Madrid manager after just eight months in charge, with the club confirming his departure by mutual consent. 

Minutes later, Real announced that former defender Alvaro Arbeloa will take over as head coach, stepping up from his role with the club’s B team.

Alonso, 44, was appointed last summer to replace Carlo Ancelotti, arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in 2024. 

A former Real Madrid and Spain midfielder, he was seen as a long-term appointment but struggled to deliver consistent results during his short spell in charge.

Real’s decision follows a difficult run of form, including defeat by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday. 

The club currently trails their rivals by four points in La Liga and have also suffered setbacks in Europe, losing Champions League matches against Liverpool and Manchester City.

Despite winning 24 of his 34 games, Alonso came under increasing pressure after a home defeat by Celta Vigo last month, when supporters booed the team off the pitch. 

That result led to an emergency meeting among the club’s hierarchy to discuss his future, amid concerns about performances and dressing-room harmony.

In a statement, Real Madrid paid tribute to Alonso’s status at the club, describing him as a legend who embodied its values. 

The club thanked him and his coaching staff for their work and wished them well for the future, adding that the Bernabeu would always be his home.

Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid and Spain full-back, has been coaching within the club’s youth setup since 2020 but will now take charge of the senior side for the first time. 

Analysts propose that Alonso’s exit reflected a clash between a coach with a clear methodology and players who preferred to rely more on instinct.