Alonso Exit Sparks Debate Over Real Madrid Fit
Xabi Alonso’s brief reign as Real Madrid manager came to an abrupt end on Monday, less than a day after defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, with criticism quickly emerging over whether his ideas were ever suited to the club.
The 44 year old, who arrived last summer after an outstanding spell with Bayer Leverkusen, lasted just over seven months at the Santiago Bernabeu as Madrid confirmed a mutual decision to part ways. Former defender Alvaro Arbeloa has been placed in temporary charge following the dismissal.
Alonso leaves with Madrid trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga, his tenure defined by flashes of promise but also a sense of tactical friction. Despite long standing admiration from the club hierarchy, his high pressing, collective approach never fully took hold with a squad accustomed to a different rhythm.
The decision has reignited debate about Madrid’s managerial identity. La Liga legend Gaizka Mendieta was blunt in his assessment, suggesting Alonso’s philosophy was always going to struggle at a club that has rarely embraced sustained high pressing. His argument centered on Madrid’s historical tendency to fragment during matches, a pattern Alonso was unable to reverse.
The atmosphere around the Bernabeu had grown tense in recent weeks, with results oscillating and performances lacking the cohesion seen at Leverkusen. Early matches under Alonso hinted at controlled buildup play, but injuries, rotations, and the demands of managing elite attacking talent often disrupted the intended structure.
Key moments in his stint included high profile clashes where Madrid struggled to impose themselves without the ball. Pressing triggers were inconsistent, defensive lines dropped deeper than planned, and opponents frequently found space during transitions, undermining the compact shape Alonso favors.
In matches of fine margins, those issues proved decisive. Goals conceded often followed broken presses or isolated midfield duels, while Madrid’s own attacking quality masked deeper structural problems rather than solving them.
The second half of the season never brought the expected reset. Tactical tweaks were made, but momentum remained elusive as rivals capitalized on Madrid’s uncertainty. The Super Cup loss to Barcelona ultimately became the breaking point.
Late drama off the pitch followed swiftly, with the club moving fast to install Arbeloa, a long time youth coach whose understanding of Madrid’s culture is viewed as an immediate stabilizing factor.
Alonso departs with public backing from his players. Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler both expressed gratitude for his trust and clarity, underlining the respect he commanded within the dressing room despite the short tenure.
The result leaves Real Madrid looking ahead to a crucial phase of the season under interim leadership, while Alonso’s reputation remains largely intact. His next move will be closely watched, with many believing his ideas will flourish again in a setting more aligned with his footballing vision.