Xabi Alonso's Brief Stint at Real Madrid Ends After Super Cup Defeat

Xabi Alonso's brief managerial tenure at Real Madrid has come to an end following a disappointing defeat in the Super Cup Final against FC Barcelona. Appointed just seven months ago, Alonso faced mounting pressure due to inconsistent performances and heavy losses. Despite high hopes for his return, the team's struggles ultimately led to his departure. As he takes a break to regroup, several top European clubs are reportedly monitoring his availability for future managerial roles. What lies ahead for Alonso as he seeks to rebuild his career remains to be seen.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 20:17 IST

Xabi Alonso Departs Real Madrid Following Super Cup Loss

Xabi Alonso, the Spanish manager and former football star, has parted ways with Real Madrid after the team's loss to FC Barcelona in the Super Cup Final held at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 11.

The outcome of the UEFA Super Cup final was seen by the club's management as a critical evaluation of Alonso's leadership, and the defeat ultimately led to his exit from Santiago Bernabeu, where he previously enjoyed significant success as a player. Alonso's tenure lasted just seven months, having taken over as manager in June 2025.

Struggles and Inconsistencies Mark Alonso's Tenure

Alonso's position was precarious due to Real Madrid's poor performance, which included heavy losses to top teams like Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City in 2025. The team managed only two victories in eight matches during that year, severely impacting their La Liga title aspirations.

The club's lack of consistency and disappointing results in key matches diminished the confidence of the management in Alonso, making his position increasingly untenable despite his brief time in charge.

High Hopes Turned to Disappointment

After Real Madrid opted not to extend Carlo Ancelotti's contract following a mixed season in 2024-25, they appointed Alonso, hoping to rejuvenate the team's direction. The excitement surrounding his return was palpable, with fans and management expecting him to leverage his deep understanding of the club and modern football strategies for immediate success.

Alonso's previous success at Bayern Leverkusen, where he led the team to their first Bundesliga title and an unbeaten streak of 51 matches, raised expectations that he could bring a similar winning mentality to Real Madrid.

Transfer Miss That Contributed to Alonso's Departure

Upon his arrival at Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid supported Alonso with signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, indicating a long-term vision. However, Alonso felt the squad lacked a key midfield organizer to control the game's tempo.

He identified Martin Zubimendi as the ideal candidate for this role, with a transfer fee estimated between €60 million and €70 million. Unfortunately, the deal fell through as Arsenal advanced in their pursuit of Zubimendi, leaving Alonso frustrated and without the essential player he deemed necessary for his tactical framework.

Future Prospects for Xabi Alonso

Following his departure from Real Madrid, Alonso is currently without a managerial position but plans to take a short break to spend time with family before seeking new opportunities. Several European clubs, including Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United, are reportedly interested in his potential availability.

Alonso remains a beloved figure at Liverpool, where he played a crucial role in their Champions League victory in 2005. With uncertainty surrounding the future of current Liverpool manager Arne Slot, Alonso could be a candidate for the role if changes are made. Additionally, Manchester United is also on the lookout for a new manager after parting ways with Ruben Amorim.