Real Madrid has officially announced that the club has reached a mutual agreement with first-team head coach Alonso to terminate his contract ahead of schedule. The young manager, who assumed the role in June 2025, has left the position after less than eight months.
At the same time, Real Madrid quickly confirmed that Castilla B team coach and club legend Álvaro Arbeloa will serve as the first team’s interim head coach.
Real Madrid Acknowledges Alonso’s Contribution
In their official statement, Real Madrid praised Alonso’s work, expressing appreciation for his efforts to stabilise and build the team in a short period.
During his tenure, Alonso led the team in 34 matches, recording 24 wins, four draws, and six defeats, a respectable overall record. At present, Real Madrid sit second in the La Liga standings, four points behind arch-rivals Barcelona, and remain firmly in the title race.
Spanish Super Cup Final Becomes the Decisive Turning Point
However, beyond league results, performances in key matches ultimately proved decisive. In the Spanish Super Cup final, Real Madrid lost 2–3 to Barcelona and missed out on the trophy.
Although the team eliminated Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals, the loss in the final was viewed internally as a critical moment, leading to the end of Alonso’s tenure.
Arbeloa Appointed Interim Head Coach
Notably, just eight minutes after Alonso’s dismissal, Real Madrid officially announced his successor, highlighting the club’s swift and decisive approach as well as prior planning.
As a player, Arbeloa was a key figure at Real Madrid, making 238 appearances and winning eight major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles.
Since moving into coaching, he has also impressed within the club’s youth system. He previously guided the U19A side to a historic treble, winning the league, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Youth League, and followed that up with another league title the following season, earning strong internal recognition.
Long-Term Managerial Appointment Still Undecided
Speculation continues regarding the club’s long-term managerial choice. According to French media reports, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez greatly admires former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. Should a move for Klopp prove unsuccessful, former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is reportedly an alternative.
However, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated that, while Klopp is highly regarded within the club, no concrete negotiations have taken place to date.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is also monitoring Zinedine Zidane’s situation, although he has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the French national team and is expected to succeed Didier Deschamps after the World Cup.
As the season enters a crucial phase, whether Arbeloa can steady the squad and deliver strong results will have a direct impact on Real Madrid’s future managerial direction. This coaching change is set to become one of the most closely watched storylines of the club’s season.
