Xabi Alonso Puts Man Utd, Liverpool and Man City on Alert as New Manager Picture Emerges

Real Madrid's shock sacking of Xabi Alonso after just seven months has ignited a Premier League transfer race, with betting odds slashed on the Spaniard returning to England amid Liverpool links.

Real Madrid announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, that Xabi Alonso had left his role as first-team coach by mutual consent, just one day after a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final in Jeddah.[1][2][5]

Alonso, a club legend who took over last summer following Carlo Ancelotti's departure to Brazil, departs after 34 games, winning 24. His tenure began brightly with 13 wins in 14 matches, including a 2-1 Clásico victory over Barcelona in October 2025. However, a poor run from November—two wins in eight games, losses to Liverpool, Celta Vigo, and Manchester City—piled pressure, culminating in the Super Cup loss.[2][3][5]

Insiders revealed Alonso struggled to win over the dressing room from the start. Reports highlighted tactical issues: the team either sat deep in a 5-at-the-back setup unbefitting Madrid or devolved into a chaotic attack reliant on Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior. A home defeat to Manchester City proved pivotal, with physical conditioning and injuries echoing Enzo Maresca's Chelsea woes.[1]

Álvaro Arbeloa, 42, Madrid's reserve team coach and former teammate of Alonso at Liverpool, has been appointed replacement.[2][5]

The exit has Premier League clubs buzzing. Odds for Alonso as Liverpool's next manager plummeted to evens (1/1), ahead of Luis Enrique (2/1). Previously linked to Anfield before staying at Bayer Leverkusen—where he won the 2023/24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double—Alonso recently hinted at a UK return. Manchester United and City are also alerted, with experts noting his "top six material" potential amid Arne Slot's solid Liverpool form.[3][5]

Real Madrid lauded Alonso as a "legend" who "will always have the affection" of fans, wishing him luck. Currently second in LaLiga (four points behind Barcelona) and seventh in the Champions League, the club eyes stability under Arbeloa.[1][2][5]

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