Instant Xabi Alonso sack theory as Real Madrid appoint another ex-Liverpool star
Real Madrid have confirmed in a statement that they have decided to part company with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who spent eight months in charge as manager
Steve McManaman has offered his own theory following Xabi Alonso’s immediate exit as Real Madrid manager. Alonso had been in charge of the Spanish giants for eight months, having taken over from Carlo Ancelotti.
However, after a troubled spell that featured a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in November, clashes with senior players, and Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona, his time as manager has come to an end. His former Liverpool teammate Alvaro Arbeloa has been promoted from Madrid’s youth setup to take over as head coach.
Sharing his view on the decision, the ex-Reds winger, McManaman has suggested that Alonso’s ‘no‑nonsense’ approach with the hierarchy made this outcome inevitable. “We heard it [Alonso’s potential departure] when they played Manchester City,” he said on TNT Sports. “But since then he’s won a lot of the games.
“They beat Atletico Madrid in the semi-final the other day. Of course they lost last night [vs Barcelona] but it was a very close game and they probably should have equalised late on.
“The only thing I would say is that Xabi doesn’t take any nonsense off the people upstairs and he’s quite happy to argue back. So I think in the end it’s probably the best conclusion to what’s been a messy affair.
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“Xabi will get another job very quickly, I think he knows that. That’s why he was in a position of power really.”
Alonso had been linked with a move back to Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, but he insisted a switch was never on the cards. Arne Slot was appointed as Klopp’s successor.
Announcing their decision, Madrid said in a statement: “Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach.
“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
In a separate statement on Arbeloa, who played for the Reds for two-and-a-half years between 2007 and 2009, they said: “Real Madrid CF announces that Alvaro Arbeloa is the new first team coach. Alvaro Arbeloa has been the manager of Castilla since June 2025, and has spent his entire coaching career in Real Madrid’s youth academy since 2020.
“He managed the Infantil A team in the 2020-2021 season, winning the league title, the Cadete A team in 2021-2022, and the Juvenil A team from 2022 to 2025. As Juvenil A manager, he achieved the treble in 2022-2023 (League, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup) and the League title in the 2024-2025 season.
“As a player, Alvaro Arbeloa was part of Real Madrid during one of the most successful periods in its history. He wore our shirt between 2009 and 2016, making 238 official appearances. During that time, he won eight titles: two Champions Leagues, one Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey trophies, and one Spanish Super Cup.
“With the Spanish national team, Alvaro Arbeloa was also part of a historic era, winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and two European Championships (2008 and 2012). He earned 56 caps for Spain.”
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