Spanish Media Reacts to Xabi Alonso Firing as Ex-Liverpool Star Called 'Puppet'

Spanish media has erupted with reactions following Xabi Alonso's shock sacking by Real Madrid on January 12, 2026, just six months after his appointment. The former Liverpool midfielder was dismissed after a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on January 11, prompting a swift club reset with Álvaro Arbeloa named as interim head coach.[2][3]

Alonso's tenure ended abruptly despite a respectable record: 34 matches, 24 wins, 6 losses, 4 draws, 72 goals scored, and 38 conceded. Real Madrid sat second in La Liga, advanced in the Champions League (4 wins from 6), reached the FIFA Club World Cup semis, but the El Clásico loss proved decisive.[2] Media outlets dissected dressing room tensions, with reports of Alonso struggling to impose his style after succeeding Carlo Ancelotti's legendary era. Jürgen Klopp, now Red Bull's head of global soccer, called it a "big surprise," noting early rumors of discord and the immense pressure at Madrid: "We coaches no longer have any time, and the demands are enormous."[1]

Harsh criticism flooded Spanish press. Marca labeled Alonso a "puppet" controlled by club hierarchy, unable to command respect from senior players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, who reportedly resisted his "new rules."[1] AS highlighted his regretful statement: "I did my best," while questioning his readiness for Madrid's intensity post-Bayer Leverkusen success.[3] Barcelona media gloated, with Barca Media praising their upset as exposing Madrid's instability, fueling title race hype.[2]

Klopp defended Alonso as a "very talented coach," predicting future success but dismissing Liverpool links: "He won't be ready to start somewhere else the next day."[1] Arbeloa's appointment, leveraging his youth coaching pedigree, signals a short-term fix amid a squad facing dressing room rifts. Analysts warn Madrid's season hangs in balance, second in La Liga but vulnerable in Europe. The saga underscores football's ruthlessness, with Alonso's ex-club Liverpool fans sympathizing online.[3]

(Word count: 298)