Coaching Shake-Up at Real Madrid: Alonso Out, Arbeloa In
12 January 2026
Background
Xabi Alonso's departure as Real Madrid's head coach has sparked wide debate in Spanish and global media in recent hours.
Real Madrid announced on Monday that Alonso is leaving the post by mutual consent, according to the club's statement.
What happened
Spanish outlets claimed the departure was a firing by the club, after yesterday's 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Kooora contacted Alonso's agent, Iñaki Ibáñez, to ask clearly whether it was a resignation or a firing. Ibáñez said the truth is he is no longer Real Madrid's coach, and that they won't get into other details or be part of that narrative.
Real Madrid later announced Álvaro Arbeloa, the Castilla coach, will take charge of the first team.
Madrid hits refresh on its coaching page.
If changes were goals, Real Madrid just scored again.
