Xabi Alonso breaks silence on Real Madrid sacking and sends message to players

Xabi Alonso Breaks Silence on Real Madrid Sacking and Sends Message to Players

Real Madrid announced on Monday that they have parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso by mutual agreement, just seven months after he took over from Carlo Ancelotti.[1][2] The decision came a day after a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which proved to be the final straw despite recent improvements in form.[1][2]

Alonso, a club legend who impressed at Bayer Leverkusen by winning the Bundesliga in 2024, faced early pressure from a poor run of just two wins in eight games before Christmas, including losses to Liverpool, Celta Vigo, and Manchester City.[1][3] The team had rebounded with five victories leading into the Clásico loss, but underlying issues persisted, such as defensive vulnerabilities exposed in key matches and struggles converting chances against lower-table sides like Girona and Rayo Vallecano.[3]

Club president Florentino Pérez's influence loomed large, with reports suggesting tensions arose from Alonso's inability to secure a key €60-70 million transfer target, possibly due to timing conflicts with Arsenal.[2] A public spat with Vinícius Júnior during an October Clásico, where the player showed frustration after being substituted, may have signaled deeper rifts, as Pérez appeared to side with the star.[3]

The squad was stunned, learning of the sacking via the official statement without prior warning, despite believing the project was on track post-Supercopa semifinal win over Atlético Madrid.[4] Players noted improved relations with Alonso recently and took his continuation for granted after Pérez's embrace during the medal ceremony.[4]

In his first comments since the departure, Alonso broke his silence, thanking the club and sending a heartfelt message to the players: "It was an honor to coach this legendary team. To the players: stay united, believe in yourselves—you have everything to win it all. Real Madrid will always be home."[1] Kylian Mbappé echoed the sentiment on Instagram, praising Alonso's clear ideas and confidence-building from day one.[1]

Álvaro Arbeloa, formerly of Madrid's Castilla reserve team, has been swiftly appointed as replacement, signaling a seamless transition from a similar coaching philosophy.[1][4] The club's statement affirmed Alonso's enduring affection from fans, wishing him well in his next chapter.[1][2]

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