Overview
- Real Madrid parted ways with Xabi Alonso after the 3-2 Super Cup loss to Barcelona and elevated Álvaro Arbeloa from Castilla to lead the first team on an interim basis, starting with a Copa del Rey tie at Albacete.
- Cadena SER reported that seven players, including some regular starters, lodged complaints about Alonso’s methods with top club figures, although no names were disclosed.
- Jude Bellingham publicly rejected suggestions he opposed Alonso, labeling the reports “a load of s***” on his JB5 app and also posting a respectful farewell to the coach.
- Jurgen Klopp said speculation linking him to the Madrid job “has nothing to do with me,” noting he received no contact from the club in comments to Servus TV.
- Barcelona manager Hansi Flick called Alonso a “fantastic coach” and said he expects him to secure a major new project soon.