Xabi Alonso has stepped down as head coach of Real Madrid, the club confirmed on Monday, a day after their defeat by Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final.
In a statement, Real Madrid said the decision had been taken by mutual agreement.
“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first-team coach to an end,” the statement read.
“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
Although reports suggest the club’s board do not believe Alonso alone is responsible for the team’s struggles, there is said to be dissatisfaction with Real Madrid’s recent performances and overall image. The club currently sit four points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga.
There are also concerns, according to Spanish media, that Alonso failed to establish a strong connection with a significant section of the dressing room, with doubts raised about how well his ideas were being embraced by the squad.
Former Real Madrid and Liverpool defender Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as Alonso’s successor with immediate effect, as the club looks to stabilise results and revive its title challenge.
