Real Madrid has officially ended its partnership with Xabi Alonso after less than a year as first-team coach. The announcement comes immediately following a tough Supercopa de España defeat to Barcelona, highlighting a turbulent period for the club. Álvaro Arbeloa’s arrival marks a new chapter in a season already defined by uncertainty.
An unpredictable season for Madrid
The 2025/26 campaign began promisingly for the “Los Blancos.” After 13 wins in the first 14 matches, including a solid victory over Barcelona in the season’s first Clásico, Alonso appeared to find his rhythm with the squad. However, a series of losses in November – against Liverpool, Celta Vigo, and Manchester City – signaled deeper issues that would soon come to a head.
Yet, the real reason for uncertainty lies in how inconsistent results quickly impacted club ambitions. The defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa only amplified pressure and accelerated the coaching change. But the key to the situation lies in how the club balances immediate success with long-term strategy.
Arbeloa – a legend returns
Álvaro Arbeloa, the 42-year-old former Real and Liverpool defender, takes charge of the first team. His history with the club is substantial: seven seasons as a Real player, international success with Spain, and experience coaching youth teams in the academy.
This is the detail that could change everything – Arbeloa comes with a deep understanding of club culture and strong authority among players. Though inexperienced at the top level, his leadership style emphasizes discipline and Madrid’s identity, potentially stabilizing the team during a crucial phase of the season.
Challenges under new leadership
Alonso’s era ended without fully realizing the team’s potential, and Madrid now enters an adaptation period. Arbeloa’s first challenges will include maintaining continuity in play and motivating the squad ahead of key LaLiga and Champions League fixtures.
Open questions remain: can the new coach restore fan confidence? Will the team stabilize its form and reassert dominance in Spanish and European football? The season is far from over, and all eyes are now on Arbeloa and his ability to navigate this turbulent period.
