The new year has ushered in yet another managerial change as Xabi Alonso is out as Real Madrid manager after a brief seven-month stint. Alonso’s era was marked by both hope and despair, featuring an unexpected defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España.

A swift eight-minute transition from Alonso’s firing to Alvaro Arbeloa’s appointment underscores that this decision was planned well ahead of the Clasico setback, of which the loss appeared to be the decisive reason for the change. Alonso’s managerial journey began with immense potential coming off the back of success at Bayer Leverkusen, carrying expectations for greatness at one of the world’s top clubs.

As the season commenced, Alonso faced challenges, managing without star players such as Kylian Mbappe while attempting to integrate new talents like Arda Guler and Gonzalo Garcia. Yet, despite a promising start, Real Madrid was rocked by a humiliating 5-2 defeat against Atletico Madrid.

Following the loss, Madrid dropped points to lower-ranked teams, and though generating plenty of shots, the goals eluded them. A crucial match against Barcelona, where they won despite a stark drop in possession, marked a turning point for both Alonso’s tactical approach and the team’s morale.

Amid rising tensions, public frustration from Vinicius Junior towards Alonso became apparent, exemplifying the ongoing struggles for respect and authority within the squad. With Alonso’s exit, Real Madrid now appears poised to move forward with a management style aligned with President Florentino Perez’s vision, while Alonso remains a hotly sought-after name in the coaching market.