REAL Madrid have decided to end their relationship with manager Xabi Alonso with immediate effect.
Alonso’s sacking was announced today, hours after a 3-2 defeat to fierce rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Former Spain and Real Madrid midfielder Alonso, 44, arrived in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti, but results have not been entirely satisfactory.
“Real Madrid C.F. announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his tenure as first-team coach,” the Spanish giants stated.
“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always embodied the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire coaching staff for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.”
In Alonso’s first major assignment, Real Madrid made it to the semi-finals before an emphatic defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup, and have fallen in the final of the Spanish Super Cup in the final.
Currently Los Blancos are second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona, and are seventh in the UEFA Champions League table with two games to go.
Real Madrid have also announced that youth team Castilla manager Alvaro Arbeloa has taken over from Alonso for the time being.
It is not clear how long Arbeloa’s contract will be, but it is assumed that he will be in charge until at least the end of the season.
Arbeloa is highly regarded within the club, and particularly by President Florentino Perez.