THE AXE FALLS
By Chris Williams
Madrid, Spain –
Football fans around the world are reeling from the sudden news that Real Madrid has parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso, just seven months after his appointment, following a humiliating defeat to rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The club announced the decision on Monday, 12 January 2026, stating that the separation was by mutual agreement after a string of disappointing results.
Alonso, a club legend as a player, leaves behind a mixed legacy in his short stint at the helm, with five losses in 28 games exposing cracks in the team’s performance.
As Álvaro Arbeloa, the B-team manager, steps in to take over, this shock move has sparked debates about the pressures on modern coaches and the high expectations at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
For supporters, it is a bittersweet end to Alonso’s return, reminding everyone of the ruthless nature of top-level football where results rule above all.
Alonso’s Short and Turbulent Tenure at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s time as Real Madrid manager began with high hopes in June 2025, when he was brought in from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
Fresh off an unbeaten Bundesliga title win with Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season – a historic feat that earned him widespread praise – Alonso was seen as the perfect fit to bring fresh energy to Los Blancos.
His playing days at the club from 2009 to 2014, where he won La Liga, the Champions League, and other trophies, added to the excitement, making his return feel like a homecoming.
However, the dream quickly soured.
Despite a solid start, the team struggled with consistency, suffering five losses in 28 matches across all competitions.
The final straw came on Sunday, 11 January 2026, with a defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final, exposing defensive weaknesses and a lack of rhythm.
Club president Florentino Pérez, known for his quick trigger on managers, opted for change, announcing the mutual parting in a brief statement.
Alonso’s record included some wins against top sides, but critics pointed to tactical rigidity and failure to integrate new signings as key issues.
At 44 years old, Alonso’s managerial career had skyrocketed at Leverkusen, where he turned a mid-table team into champions without a single loss in the league.
His style, blending possession play with quick counters, earned him comparisons to greats like Pep Guardiola. But at Madrid, the intense pressure and star-studded squad proved a tougher challenge, leading to this early exit after 232 days.
Álvaro Arbeloa Steps In as Replacement
In a swift move to steady the ship, Real Madrid named Álvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s successor. The 42-year-old, a former Madrid defender who won multiple titles during his playing career from 2009 to 2016, has been coaching the club’s reserve team, Castilla, since 2020.
His promotion comes as a surprise to some, but club insiders praise his deep understanding of Madrid’s culture and his success in developing young talent.
Arbeloa takes over at a critical time, with Madrid sitting second in La Liga and preparing for Champions League knockout stages.
His first task will be to rally the squad, including stars like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, who reportedly had tensions with Alonso.
Fans hope Arbeloa’s no-nonsense approach, honed from his playing days under coaches like José Mourinho, will restore the team’s winning rhythm.
His contract details remain undisclosed, but he is expected to serve until the end of the season at least, with an option for extension based on performance.
Reactions from Fans, Players, and Experts
The news has divided Madrid’s passionate fanbase. Some express disappointment over Alonso’s exit, citing his potential and the need for more time to implement his vision.
Others welcome the change, frustrated by recent poor form and a perceived lack of passion on the pitch. Social media buzzed with tributes to Alonso’s legacy as a player, with hashtags like #GraciasXabi trending globally.
Players have stayed mostly silent, but reports suggest a row with Vinícius Júnior during the Super Cup loss may have contributed to the tensions.
Former teammates like Cristiano Ronaldo, who played with Alonso, shared supportive messages online, calling him a “true Madridista.”
Experts like former coach Zinedine Zidane praised Alonso’s intelligence but noted the job’s demands often require immediate results.
Critics, including legal advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, have used similar shake-ups to call out systems where leaders face quick axes without fair process.
While not directly on this, his views on accountability resonate, urging clubs to balance expectations with support for growth.
Broader Implications for Real Madrid and Football
This sacking adds to Real Madrid’s history of managerial turnover, with 14 coaches in the last 20 years. It raises questions about patience in the modern game, where billion-dollar investments demand instant success.
For Alonso, the exit is a setback but not the end – at his age, opportunities at top clubs like Liverpool or Bayern Munich could beckon, given his Leverkusen success.
For Madrid, the focus shifts to Arbeloa’s ability to turn things around mid-season. With a squad packed with talent, a quick revival could see them challenge for titles, but any slips could lead to more unrest.
The club has spent over €300 million on players in recent years, expecting dominance in La Liga and Europe, making this transition pivotal.
On a human level, this reminds fans that behind the glamour are real people facing pressure. Alonso, a family man with three children, has spoken about the toll of the job, balancing it with his love for the game.
As he steps away, the football world wishes him well, knowing his legend at Madrid endures.
What Happens Next for Alonso and Madrid
Alonso is likely to take time off before his next move, with rumours linking him to the Spanish national team or a return to Germany.
For Madrid, Arbeloa’s first match comes this weekend against Atletico Madrid, a test that could set the tone for his tenure.
This chapter in Real Madrid’s story shows the high stakes of top football, where legends can rise and fall in months. Fans hope for stability and success, as the club chases its 36th La Liga title and more European glory.
For now, the focus is on healing divides and rallying behind the new boss.
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