DDespite the flurry of headlines surrounding his departure from Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso, the former manager looked calm and at ease while out with his partner, quietly getting into his car as reporters and fans captured the moment on their mobile phones. Questions were asked and cameras blared, but Alonso’s demeanor suggested something important. It was that he was okay, grounded and ready to move on.
Alonso’s appointment as Real Madrid manager was greeted with real excitement. A club legend as a player, he returned with high expectations after a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where his tactical acumen and leadership revitalized the German team’s fortunes. Many thought he would be perfect to reinvigorate Madrid’s attack-minded tradition, blending respect for tradition with a modern approach to the game.
Why Xabi Alonso looked relaxed despite Real Madrid’s sudden decision
During his time on Real Madrid’s bench, Xabi Alonso put up a solid performance despite the confusion surrounding his departure. He coached 34 games from July 2025 to January 2026, recording 24 wins and a winning rate of approximately 71%. His team scored 72 goals and conceded 38. This number reflects both the efficiency of the attack and the vulnerable moments of the defense. Although his results against higher-ranked rivals sometimes revealed tactical friction, Alonso was widely seen within the club as a disciplined and clear-thinking coach who stuck to his ideas until the end.
The decision to part ways was taken quickly after the dramatic defeat in the Supercopa de Esper final. Internal tensions, a difficult run of form and difficulty coordinating the team behind his tactical plan were reportedly key factors. What started as a promising era quickly turned into one fraught with challenges, with the club and Alonso agreeing to leave the club early.
The most talked about part of his run was how he managed, and at times struggled to manage, star players. While not overtly critical, Alonso’s handling of minutes, rotations and expectations for star players like Kylian Mbapp has sparked conversation. Mbapp himself later publicly thanked Alonso for his confidence and leadership, stressing his respect despite the turbulent ending.
Sources said another point of tension was with other key players, including Vincius Junior, who reportedly had disagreements over tactics and roles within the team. Many fans and analysts framed this as part of the challenges that come with managing a team of strong personalities, but it has undoubtedly shaped the story of Alonso’s Madrid branch.
Even after leaving the club, Alonso’s message was one of gratitude and calm reflection. His farewell words acknowledged both the honor of coaching Real Madrid and the reality that things did not unfold as planned, but his spirit was never broken. Walking alongside his partner, he showed a different side of football’s harsh spotlight. It’s about someone who, despite the headlines, remains confident, poised, and ready for the next chapter.
