Overview
- Real Madrid confirmed Alonso’s departure by mutual agreement after roughly seven months in charge (34 matches: 24 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses).
- Minutes later, Álvaro Arbeloa was appointed first-team coach, promoted from Castilla where he has coached since June 2025.
- The announcement came a day after Barcelona’s 3-2 win in the Supercopa final in Saudi Arabia, which many reports linked to the timing.
- Multiple outlets reported strains with certain players during the autumn, while the club’s statement thanked Alonso and framed the split as amicable.
- Arbeloa has coached solely in Madrid’s academy since 2020 and is expected to make his debut Wednesday against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, prompting scrutiny of his limited top-flight experience.