Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso has been unceremoniously axed from his role as manager after just seven and a half months in charge. The decision comes after a tumultuous period of disagreements with the team over tactics and approach, which have ultimately led to the team's underwhelming performance on the pitch.
Alonso was appointed by the club's president Florentino Perez with little fanfare, and it soon became apparent that he didn't truly believe in his own abilities as manager. At his previous club Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso had enjoyed great success under a similar system to Real Madrid's high-intensity pressing, but here he struggled to impose his will on the team.
Despite securing some decent results, including a thrilling comeback win over Barcelona in October, Alonso was unable to convince the players that his approach was the right one. His methods were seen as too restrictive and stifling by many of his players, including the mercurial Kylian Mbappe, who has been more focused on chasing individual records than playing for his team.
The final straw came after a particularly disappointing defeat to Atletico Madrid in La Liga, which saw Alonso's team trounced 5-2. In the aftermath, it became clear that the club had lost faith in him as manager, and Perez met with Alonso and his entourage to inform them of his decision to part ways.
The official explanation for Alonso's departure was that he hadn't been able to implement the football that made him successful at Leverkusen, citing issues with player fitness and a lack of progress. However, those who know Alonso suggest that leaving Madrid, even though it wasn't what he wanted, will be a welcome relief after a frustrating six-month spell.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Castilla coach, has been lined up to take over as interim manager, but the task ahead of him is almost impossible. Real Madrid are seen by many in Europe's elite clubs as outliers - a club that operates differently and quietly prepares for dismissal months before it happens, aided by loyal media.
The message from European clubs is clear: Xabi Alonso may be a legend in Spain, but he can't change the culture at Real Madrid. If this season ends without trophies, it will only confirm what many already believe - that some managers simply don't fit certain clubs.
Alonso was appointed by the club's president Florentino Perez with little fanfare, and it soon became apparent that he didn't truly believe in his own abilities as manager. At his previous club Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso had enjoyed great success under a similar system to Real Madrid's high-intensity pressing, but here he struggled to impose his will on the team.
Despite securing some decent results, including a thrilling comeback win over Barcelona in October, Alonso was unable to convince the players that his approach was the right one. His methods were seen as too restrictive and stifling by many of his players, including the mercurial Kylian Mbappe, who has been more focused on chasing individual records than playing for his team.
The final straw came after a particularly disappointing defeat to Atletico Madrid in La Liga, which saw Alonso's team trounced 5-2. In the aftermath, it became clear that the club had lost faith in him as manager, and Perez met with Alonso and his entourage to inform them of his decision to part ways.
The official explanation for Alonso's departure was that he hadn't been able to implement the football that made him successful at Leverkusen, citing issues with player fitness and a lack of progress. However, those who know Alonso suggest that leaving Madrid, even though it wasn't what he wanted, will be a welcome relief after a frustrating six-month spell.
Alvaro Arbeloa, Castilla coach, has been lined up to take over as interim manager, but the task ahead of him is almost impossible. Real Madrid are seen by many in Europe's elite clubs as outliers - a club that operates differently and quietly prepares for dismissal months before it happens, aided by loyal media.
The message from European clubs is clear: Xabi Alonso may be a legend in Spain, but he can't change the culture at Real Madrid. If this season ends without trophies, it will only confirm what many already believe - that some managers simply don't fit certain clubs.
Man, it's like they say - you can't force someone to be a great manager. Alonso was always gonna struggle with the players and tactics at Real Madrid, but you gotta feel bad for him. He had some good results, I'll give him that 
, but ultimately it was just too much. The kid's got talent, but he needs a team that matches his style, you know? 
It's not like he didn't try, but at the end of the day it's just one of those things where some managers are meant to be in certain roles.
. You can't seriously expect some young coach to come in and fix everything overnight, especially when the team's been struggling for months. Alonso got a raw deal, imo 
. Still, gotta respect his legacy at Leverkusen - that guy was a boss on the pitch 
!
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this news! Xabi Alonso, one of my all-time favorite players, gets the axe after just 7.5 months as Real Madrid manager? 
I mean, I know his tactics were seen as too restrictive, but come on, you can't deny the guy is a legend! 
️
. But for Alonso, it just feels like he didn't have the support or the freedom to make the changes he wanted to make. 
. Maybe leaving Madrid will be exactly what he needs to get back on track! 
And hey, who knows? We might see him again in charge of another team soon 
I feel so bad for Alonso, he got roasted 
and everyone knows why... the pressure is just too much at Real Madrid! 
. And can you blame him? It's not easy to implement your vision when everyone's breathing down your neck 
.
. Perez knew Alonso wasn't the right fit from day one, but he still gave him a shot 
... like what are his chances of turning things around? 
. The squad has so many superstars that it can be hard for any manager to impose their will 
. Still, you've got to feel bad for the guy - 7.5 months is a pretty short stint even for a rookie manager 
.
. The guy was appointed without any fanfare, but then he had the nerve to doubt his own abilities as a manager? 
Not buying it. It's clear that the club had lost faith in him from a long time ago, and Perez just gave him the courtesy of a formal goodbye 
.
. And Real Madrid is definitely one of those clubs where you've got to fit their unique culture if you want to succeed 
. Arbeloa might as well give up now, because it's going to be a tough ask trying to turn things around in this team 
.