Press comments on Alonso’s departure from Real
“Failed miserably after just a few months”
Updated on 01/13/2026 – 04:37 amReading time: 3 minutes
Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso are going their separate ways again. The ex-Leverkusen player’s premature exit probably has more than just sporting reasons. This is how the international media reacts.
AS: “The era of the professor is over. After 232 days and 34 games, he is no longer coach of Real Madrid. The reason for this is the results and the feeling: the club had the impression that the team did not perform as desired despite the right attitude. This is how a story ends that began with a fairytale melody but ended with nightmarish violins.”
Marca: “There was a promising start, followed by a gradual loss of confidence, which reached its lowest point in Jeddah. The rock ‘n’ roll promised by the coach failed to materialize. The team almost always lacked drive and energy, their physical condition was questionable. The disunity within the team was another factor that ultimately contributed to Xabi’s dismissal.”
El Mundo Sports: “Real announces the departure of Xabi Alonso and his successor. Xabi Alonso was not even allowed to complete a full season as Real Madrid coach.”
Sport: “After arriving in the summer with the aim of revolutionizing the club and changing Ancelotti’s methods after a disappointing year, Alonso was in charge for just seven months. His tenure began promisingly with his first games in the Club World Cup, but since then he has fallen far short of high expectations.”
The Mirror: “Xabi Alonso only joined Real Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, but the former midfielder has already left the Santiago Bernabéu after a disappointing first season.”
The Sun: “Alonso’s status as available coach comes at a time of great movement in the coaching market. Manchester United are available following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, while Manchester City could now also be considered as Pep Guardiola’s future beyond the summer is also uncertain. The most interesting coaching move, however, could be a return to another former club in Liverpool, which would further increase the pressure on Arne Slot.”
Gazzetta dello Sport: “Earthquake at Real Madrid: It’s over between Xabi Alonso and the Spanish club. Club and coach have mutually agreed on a painful divorce. An era is coming to an end.”