Real Madrid have parted ways with coach Xabi Alonso, appointing former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.
The move came a day after Madrid lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Alonso, who took charge in June 2025 following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, leaves after less than eight months at the helm. During his tenure, Madrid struggled for consistency, finishing second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona, and seventh in the Champions League after six group matches. Reports indicated tension between Alonso and some players amid injury setbacks and poor form.
Arbeloa, 42, has been coaching Real Madrid Castilla since June 2025 and has spent his entire coaching career within the club’s academy since 2020. A former Madrid and Spain full-back, he won two Champions League titles and one La Liga crown with Madrid and was part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad in 2010 and European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012.
His first match in charge will be a Copa del Rey last-16 tie against second-tier Albacete on Wednesday. Real Madrid did not disclose the length of Arbeloa’s contract.
Alonso had been signed on a three-season deal until June 2028, following a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen where he won the Bundesliga and guided the team to the Europa League final. Despite occasional victories, including a Clasico win over Barcelona in October, the club ultimately decided to end his tenure by mutual agreement.
Madrid paid tribute to Alonso in a statement, noting his contributions to the club and wishing him well in his future endeavours.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for decades of deaths and damage, adding a new demand to peace talks as Tehran see...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 11th of August, covering the latest developments....
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is preparing to deploy additional North Korean forces on its territory and has received...
Flights arriving at Catania airport in eastern Sicily were suspended after volcanic ash from a new eruption of Mount Etna drifted into the airspace around the airport, disrupting operations at one of Italy’s busiest aviation hubs.
One hundred years after the First World War and more than eighty years after the devastation of the Second World War gave rise to the United Nations, humanity once again finds itself living in an age of permanent crisis.
For months, efforts to secure the Red Sea have focused on what is happening in the water. Naval deployments have increased, governments have expanded maritime cooperation and shipping companies have adapted to persistent security threats.
Greenland has issued a “strong warning” to a U.S. oil company linked to President Donald Trump after drilling equipment was brought ashore without the required government approvals, according to British media.
A deal on a new route for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is "very close," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said, while warning that the reopening of the waterway depends on the U.S. meeting other conditions, including paying compensation to Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for decades of deaths and damage, adding a new demand to peace talks as Tehran seeks compensation and sanctions relief before reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 11th of August, covering the latest developments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is preparing to deploy additional North Korean forces on its territory and has received more ballistic missiles from Pyongyang, arguing that their growing military cooperation poses a threat beyond Ukraine.
Firefighters were continuing to battle a massive blaze at the Zawiya refinery on Tuesday as Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) said it could declare force majeure and completely halt operations if drone attacks on oil assets in the city continued.
At least 132 people have died and 570 have been injured after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities reported.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment