Overview
- Real Madrid said it ended Xabi Alonso’s tenure by mutual agreement the day after a 3-2 Supercopa loss to Barcelona and named Álvaro Arbeloa as head coach with immediate effect.
- Arbeloa led his first training session and told reporters the squad gets a “new start” focused on winning, with several youth players called up ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey match against Albacete.
- Coverage highlights reported frictions between Alonso and senior players and concerns over fitness management, while multiple accounts say the squad was surprised by the timing of the decision.
- Cadena COPE reporting indicates a contract clause could limit Alonso’s severance to roughly one year of salary rather than the full remaining term.
- Media link the club’s longer‑term plans to high‑profile targets such as Jürgen Klopp and Enzo Maresca, with Klopp publicly downplaying the prospect when asked.