Xabi Alonso Finally Opens Up About His Shocking Real Madrid Departure: "I Gave Everything"
Xabi Alonso described it as both an "honor and a responsibility" to have managed Real Madrid in his initial public statement following his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu on Monday.
Alonso formally left Real Madrid through "mutual agreement" and has been succeeded by former Los Blancos colleague Álvaro Arbeloa, who was promoted from his position as Real Madrid Castilla manager.
Reports indicated the decision came after discussions following Sunday's loss to arch-rivals Barcelona in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. By that time, his "exhaustion" following months of relentless pressure and examination was evident.
Generally, it appeared Alonso's methods and philosophy clashed with Real Madrid's expectations. He notably had disagreements with Vinicius Junior, leading the Brazilian to allegedly decline signing a new contract, while a confrontation with Kylian Mbappé following the Super Cup intensified rumors about deepening divisions.
Following his departure, Mbappé was the first to express appreciation to Alonso through social media. Multiple other players, including Federico Valverde, Rodrygo and Arda Güler did likewise, though Vinicius Junior has remained silent publicly.
Alonso kept his message concise when he posted on social media Tuesday, having reflected on the circumstances overnight. However, the 44-year-old shared only constructive remarks and appreciation for the chance.
"This professional chapter has concluded, and it didn't unfold as we had hoped. Managing Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility," Alonso wrote on Instagram.
"I appreciate the club, the players and especially the supporters and Madrid faithful for their confidence and backing. I depart with respect, appreciation, and pride knowing I gave my utmost effort."
'One of the Best Coaches in the World' Is Out of Work
'One of the Best Coaches in the World' Is Out of Work
Alonso has experienced a dramatic decline in a brief period.
Following his achievements at Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the team to an undefeated domestic campaign in 2023–24, securing their first-ever Bundesliga championship as part of a league and cup double, and coming within one match of achieving an incredible treble, the Spaniard was hailed as "one of the best coaches in the world" by Real Madrid when announced as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement last May.
He received a three-year deal and finds himself unemployed fewer than eight months afterward.
However, his coaching journey won't be characterized by this disappointment, having failed to meet the expectations of the world's most famously demanding club.
Supporters are already wondering about his next destination, with Manchester United notably seeking a new permanent manager for the summer.
Alonso's connections with Liverpool could complicate that possibility, though the Reds might also require new leadership depending on how the remainder of the season progresses under Arne Slot. He previously turned down his former club in 2024, which led Liverpool to pursue Slot initially. However, circumstances may have changed now.