Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Real Madrid have dropped a surprise of their own this monday, January 12 – and it has nothing to do with goals or transfers.
The club announced that they had returned to Saudi Arabia just hours after their defeat by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Xabi Alonso is no longer head coach of the first team. The decision announced on Monday was taken “by mutual consent”.
A familiar face steps in to take his place inside Valdebebas. Álvaro ArbeloaCastilla has now been promoted and the manager of the senior team will be taking over.
Few could have predicted this move, particularly with Madrid sitting in second place in La Liga. They are also well-placed in the Champions League Group Stage. Alonso has been under pressure for several weeks.
Early promise and sudden departure
Alonso’s stint on the Madrid bench has always seemed a bit unusual. He was reluctant to take over ahead of the Club World Cup. The club demanded that he be in charge, even though Alonso had reservations. The tournament ended in disappointment with a heavy loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, but the result was mostly ignored at the time.
The league campaign started much more positively. Madrid won consistently in the opening weeks and looked settled – until a derby defeat at Atlético halted the momentum. It was the first true warning sign.
Things became more uncomfortable in early December after a shock loss to Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu. Alonso’s future was not assured after that, even if the club kept a public calm.
Wins against Betis and Atlético towards the end of the year briefly eased the tension, and reaching the Super Cup final suggested stability had returned. The heavy loss to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia seems to have changed the tide. After the squad arrived in Madrid, things started to move quickly.
In its statement, Real Madrid paid tribute to Alonso and thanked his staff and him for their professionalism, dedication and commitment. After only half a year in charge, he leaves with 34 matches won, 24 draws, and 6 defeats.
Arbeloa’s biggest opportunity comes sooner than expected
For Arbeloa, the call-up is a major step forward – and it arrives much sooner than many expected.
Arbeloa is a former Madrid player and respected figure in the academy. He has received praise for his efforts with Castilla as well as his ability to relate with younger players. Arbeloa knows his club well, and understands the pressure of the badge. He has already built relationships with players who train regularly between the first and reserve teams.
The challenge is now immediate and unforgiving. Real Madrid does not have a grace period. Results are important immediately, particularly with the Champions League still to come and the title race in the league far from decided.
The supporters will be eager to see if the new coach brings a fresh energy, better ideas and a renewed direction on the field.
Why is this decision so surprising?
The timing of this move is what makes it so striking. Madrid remains competitive in all the major competitions. No public crisis was felt, and most assumed that the club would review its strategy in the summer instead of taking action mid-season.
Instead, the board has chosen to act decisively – a reminder of just how quickly things can change at the Bernabéu, even for a former player who carries enormous respect.
Alonso’s chapter ends earlier than expected. Arbeloa has a chance to shine on the biggest stage in football. Fans will be thrilled to see yet another dramatic turn in a season that is not slowing down.
Madrid has no quiet seasons.
