It’s the crisis in Madrid. Barely six months after his arrival on the Real bench, Xabi Alonso ended his adventure at the head of the first team on Monday. The former Bayer Leverkusen coach reached an agreement with Madrid management, less than 24 hours after the defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final against FC Barcelona (3-2).
“ Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his mandate as first team coach. Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans, because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always embodied the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home. Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this period, and wishes them good luck for this new stage of their lives », Communicated the club chaired by Florentino Pérez, who was quick to react by appointing Álvaro Arbeloa as his successor.
Two big names considered to sit on the Real bench
A choice that surprised Spain. If the former right-back has done serious work with Castilla, doubts persist about his ability to manage a locker room full of stars and egos. An appointment which, however, does not prevent the Madrid management from moving forward behind the scenes to complete the arrival of a more valuable name. According to our information, Florentino Pérez has already ticked off a name to take the reins of the team, and not the least: Jürgen Klopp (58 years old).
Since his departure from Liverpool in 2024 and his arrival in the Red Bull galaxy in January 2025 as director of football, the German is regularly cited on the Real Madrid side. A coach highly appreciated by Pérez, who still dreams of attracting him despite recent statements from Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff: “ Jürgen Klopp knew how to do well by joining us. He feels at home among us and has already learned a lot. His contract does not contain any release clause and his commitment to us is total. “, he explained in December. In the event of failure on this issue, the White House is also keeping an eye on Italian technician Enzo Maresca (45), recently dismissed by Chelsea and replaced by Liam Rosenior. One thing is certain: if Arbeloa is on the Real bench today, Florentino Pérez has not yet said his last word.
