Real Madrid have made a shock change on Monday, January 12, 2026, ending Xabi Alonso’s brief stint as first-team coach and handing the reins to club legend Alvaro Arbeloa 🤯⚽️
Alonso, who arrived last May to replace Carlo Ancelotti, leaves by mutual agreement after a rollercoaster eight months. His time in charge saw 34 games across all competitions—24 wins, six losses, and four draws—but growing tension with star players like Vinicius Junior and a dramatic Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona (3-2) in Saudi Arabia proved costly.
One notable moment came when Alonso attempted a guard of honour for Barcelona’s players after the Super Cup loss in Jeddah, only for Kylian Mbappé and others to snub the idea and walk off 😬.
Mbappé was the first to publicly bid farewell, posting an Instagram story with a photo of him and Alonso, thanking him for the 'confidence since Day 1' and praising his football ideas. Other Madrid players followed suit, though Vinicius Junior stayed silent.
Now, fellow former Madrid and Spain teammate Arbeloa steps up from the B team, ready to steady the ship 🌟. His first test will be Wednesday’s Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Albacete. Can the former defender bring stability and get Los Blancos back on track? Stay tuned!
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Xabi Alonso parts ways with Real Madrid, Alvaro Arbeloa takes over
cgtn.com
