### Xabi Alonso's Short-Lived Tenure at Real Madrid Ends Following Super Cup Defeat - Xabi Alonso has been relieved of his duties as head coach of Real Madrid after a brief tenure of less than eight months. His departure comes on the heels of a disappointing loss to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, where Madrid fell 3-2. The club announced that the decision to part ways was made by mutual consent, and former player Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as his successor [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-xabi-alonso-real-madrid-36542774][https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/alonso-mbappe-real-madrid-sacking-33217779]. ### Breakdown of the Situation Surrounding Alonso's Departure 1. **Context of Departure**: - Alonso's exit was officially announced on January 12, 2026, following the Super Cup defeat [https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/01/13/xabi-alonso-out-as-real-madrid-coach-after-super-cup-loss-arbeloa-takes-over/205218]. - The decision was described as mutual, indicating that both Alonso and the club agreed it was time to part ways [https://www.geo.tv/latest/644805-whos-lvaro-arbeloa-new-real-madrid-coach-replacing-xabi-alonso]. 2. **Reasons for the Change**: - Alonso's tenure was marked by internal issues and a lack of satisfactory results, culminating in the Super Cup loss [https://www.zamin.uz/en/sport/182057-realda-alonso-davri-yakunlandi-uning-istefosi-sababi-malum-boldi.html]. - The club's management felt a change was necessary to revitalize the team's performance [https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2026-01-13/football/real-madrid-get-rid-of-xabi-alonso-and-promotesb-team-manager-alvaro-arbeloa-6736286300]. 3. **New Appointment**: - Álvaro Arbeloa, who previously managed the club's B team, has been promoted to head coach [https://www.republicworld.com/sports/football/real-madrid-mutually-part-ways-with-xabi-alonso-as-coach-alvaro-arbeloa-promoted-as-replacement]. - Arbeloa's first match in charge will be against Albacete in the Copa del Rey [https://www.clutchpoints.com/soccer/real-madrid-xabi-alonso-mutually-super-cup-barca]. ### Evidence Supporting the Transition - **Performance Metrics**: - Alonso's record during his short stint included a notable defeat in the Super Cup, which was pivotal in the decision to replace him [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3767441-xabi-alonsos-departure-a-real-madrid-legends-tumultuous-end]. - The club's statement emphasized Alonso's legacy as a player but acknowledged the need for a new direction [https://www.businessupturn.com/sports/soccer/why-alvaro-arbeloa-how-real-madrid-trusts-youth-coach-following-xabi-alonsos-exit]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Real Madrid 1. **Alonso's Departure**: - Xabi Alonso's exit marks the end of a tumultuous period for Real Madrid, characterized by unmet expectations and a significant loss in a key tournament [https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2026/01/13/real-madrid-axe-alonso-eye-klopp-dressing-room-issues-arise]. 2. **Future Prospects**: - With Álvaro Arbeloa at the helm, Real Madrid aims to rejuvenate its squad and improve performance in upcoming competitions [https://www.thelocalreport.in/xabi-alonso-leaves-real-madrid-alvaro-arbeloa-takes-over-as-real-madrid-coach]. 3. **Strategic Shift**: - The club's decision reflects a strategic shift towards leveraging internal talent and promoting from within, as seen with Arbeloa's appointment [https://www.koptalk.com/liverpool-fc-news/former-liverpool-duo-at-the-heart-of-real-madrid-shake-up-as-arbeloa-replaces-alonso]. In summary, Real Madrid's decision to part ways with Xabi Alonso and appoint Álvaro Arbeloa signals a critical moment for the club as it seeks to regain its competitive edge following a disappointing season start.