Xabi Alonso Sacked by Real Madrid Amid Trent Alexander-Arnold Struggles

Real Madrid has sensationally sacked manager Xabi Alonso following a turbulent spell marked by poor results and mounting pressure, despite his earlier optimism about Trent Alexander-Arnold's form.[2][3]

Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder with 192 appearances and a 2014 Champions League winner, took over from Carlo Ancelotti but struggled to replicate his Bundesliga success at Bayer Leverkusen. The team suffered key defeats, including losses to mid-table Celta Vigo and five defeats in six meetings against Barcelona, culminating in a Spanish Super Cup exit. Fans grew frustrated with tactical lapses, red cards, and an imbalanced squad hampered by injuries to players like Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and notably Trent Alexander-Arnold.[2]

Alexander-Arnold, who joined Madrid from Liverpool, faced a challenging debut LaLiga season plagued by injuries. Limited to just 16 minutes of action—including a brief substitute appearance in a Champions League loss at Anfield where he was booed—his form dipped, leading to omission from England's squad under Thomas Tuchel. However, Alonso recently praised the right-back's improvement after intensive training during the international break, stating, "Trent being in better form gives us more options," alongside alternatives like Fede Valverde, Militão, and Raúl Asencio.[1]

Despite boosts like Rüdiger's impending return and acknowledgment of high demands at the Bernabéu, criticism mounted over goalless draws against Liverpool and Rayo Vallecano, with Kylian Mbappé failing to register shots on target. Alonso's pleas for time fell on deaf ears in Madrid's ruthless environment.[1][2]

Álvaro Arbeloa, Castilla manager, has been fast-tracked as interim coach, facing immediate scrutiny. Speculation swirls around replacements, with Jurgen Klopp emerging as a top candidate. Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold—both Liverpool alumni—could play pivotal roles in luring Klopp, leveraging their past successes under him at Anfield.[3]

Alonso's exit underscores Real Madrid's unforgiving nature: even club legends must deliver instantly amid deeper squad issues and relentless expectations.[2]

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