Overview
- Real framed the separation as a mutual agreement and immediately introduced former defender Álvaro Arbeloa, previously the reserve-team coach, as the new manager.
- The decision followed Sunday’s 3-2 Supercopa de España final defeat to Barcelona in Jeddah, which intensified scrutiny of results.
- Alonso’s tenure lasted about half a year, starting with 13 wins in his first 14 matches before form dipped, leaving Madrid four points off Barça in La Liga and in a precarious Champions League position.
- Multiple outlets reported tense locker-room dynamics—most notably with Vinícius Júnior—with an erosion of the coach’s authority and commentary pointing to Florentino Pérez’s impatience.
- Arbeloa, a club stalwart with 238 appearances, steps up from Castilla and is set to make his debut on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey against Albacete.