Overview
- The club said the exit was by mutual agreement and hailed Alonso as a club legend, while Alonso posted a respectful farewell message.
- The decision followed a 3-2 Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona and a prior slide in form that included European setbacks and yielding ground in LaLiga.
- Arbeloa steps up from Castilla after progressing through the club’s academy coaching ranks and a decorated playing career, though he has not previously managed a senior top-flight side.
- Alonso’s tenure spanned roughly seven months, covering 34 matches with 24 wins, 4 draws and 6 defeats for a 70.6% win rate.
- A congested run looms, with six matches in just over two weeks, starting with the Copa del Rey tie before league and Champions League fixtures.