Kylian Mbappé Makes Xabi Alonso Exit Feelings Clear as Real Madrid Replacement Named

Real Madrid shocks the football world by parting ways with head coach Xabi Alonso after just seven months, amid dressing room concerns and poor recent form. Star forward Kylian Mbappé leads tributes, while club legend Álvaro Arbeloa steps in as successor.

Real Madrid announced on Monday that Xabi Alonso's tenure as first-team coach has ended by mutual agreement after only 232 days and 34 matches, promoting former player and youth coach Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.[1][3] Alonso, a club legend with 236 appearances as a midfielder, arrived with high expectations following his triumphant Bayer Leverkusen stint—ending Bayern Munich's 11-year Bundesliga dominance and overseeing a 54-match unbeaten run.[1]

Despite a strong start with 17 wins in 20 early-season games, doubts emerged inside the Bernabéu about Alonso's connection with the dressing room and players' physical preparation.[1] The team won just three of its last nine matches, with patience running out after a Supercopa de España final loss to Barcelona, where Alonso noted Kylian Mbappé "wasn't ready to start."[1][3][4] Currently second in La Liga—four points behind Barcelona—Real Madrid remains in Copa del Rey and Champions League contention, just 18% into Alonso's contract.[1]

Kylian Mbappé expressed heartfelt gratitude in a farewell message, thanking Alonso for his "trust from the first day," "clear ideas," and deep knowledge: "It has been short, but it has been a pleasure."[1] Other players echoed the sentiment, bidding goodbye to the 44-year-old amid speculation linking him to Liverpool or a past Bayern Munich opportunity.[1]

Arbeloa's appointment signals a return to club roots, with Real Madrid eyeing stability ahead of the $150 million Club World Cup and crucial fixtures. Fans and pundits reel from the abrupt change, questioning if Alonso's high pedigree could rebound elsewhere.[1][3]

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