Topics: Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, Football, La Liga, Premier League
Xabi Alonso has issued his first statement following his Real Madrid exit after just 232 days in charge of Los Blancos, with the 44-year-old making his feelings clear on the side’s players.
Alonso, who arrived at Real Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen in May of 2025, was relieved of his duties less than 24 hours after Los Blancos’ 3-2 defeat against Barcelona in the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (January 11).
The Spaniard left Real Madrid second in La Liga, four points behind league leaders Barcelona after 19 league games so far this term.
Real also announced that reserve team head coach Alvaro Arbeloa would fill the vacancy immediately.
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Alonso won 24 of his 34 games in charge of the club, which he also represented as a player, but will ultimately look back on his managerial stint at the Santiago Bernabeu as a failure.
In statement, Real Madrid said: "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 coaching staff for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives."
Following his departure, Alonso has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with both Liverpool and Manchester United mooted as potential future destinations.
The former Bayern Munich midfielder released a statement on his Instagram page at 11 a.m. on Tuesday (January 13), during which he described coaching Real as “an honour” before making his feelings clear towards the players he managed.
“This professional chapter has come to an end, and it hasn't turned out as we would have liked,” Alonso wrote (translated from Spanish to English).
“Coaching Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility.
“I thank the club, the players, and above all, the fans and the Madridista community for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and the pride of having done my best.”
Despite his time in the Spanish capital not going as planned, there’s no doubt that Alonso’s stock is still high, given the fact that he guided Leverkusen to a German domestic double and the Europa League final in 2023/24, with the side going unbeaten in the Bundesliga.
Real Madrid are next in action on Wednesday (January 14) and will take on Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16.
Then, on Saturday (January 17), they will host Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu in what will be Arbeloa’s first La Liga game in charge.
