Instant Xabi Alonso Sack Theory Emerges as Real Madrid Appoint Another Ex-Liverpool Star

By Mirror Sport Reporter | Published January 12, 2026

Real Madrid have sensationally sacked manager Xabi Alonso just seven months into his tenure, following a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on January 11, 2026. The club wasted no time, appointing former Liverpool defender Álvaro Arbeloa as his immediate replacement—another ex-Reds star now thrust into the Bernabéu hot seat.[2][4]

Fans exploded in frustration after the El Clásico loss, with many directing fury at Alonso's puzzling second-half substitutions that squandered a lead. Social media lit up with calls of "Sack him," amplifying a hit-and-miss season where Madrid sit second in La Liga, boast 4 wins from 6 in the Champions League, and reached the FIFA Club World Cup semis—but ultimately faltered when it mattered most.[1][2]

Alonso's 34-match record read 24 wins, 6 losses, 4 draws, 72 goals scored, and 38 conceded, including 10 clean sheets. Yet, club president Florentino Pérez pulled the trigger, making Alonso the tenth permanent boss sacked under his 21-year reign without completing a year. Critics argue the dismissal ignores deeper issues, like squad dynamics and Vinícius Júnior's earlier public meltdown when subbed off in an October Clásico.[3][4]

Pérez views losing to Barcelona in a trophy final as a "capital offense," despite Alonso's pedigree from leading Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga glory. The rapid appointment of Arbeloa—announced minutes after Alonso's exit—signals a premeditated move, giving the ex-Liverpool right-back a favorable schedule to bed in.[2][4]

Arbeloa, a Madrid youth product and Alonso's former teammate, brings youth coaching experience but faces immense pressure. Madrid remain in La Liga contention and European mix, but this shake-up underscores the club's ruthless standards. Will Arbeloa steady the ship, or is more turmoil ahead?[5]

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