Despite the storm of headlines surrounding his departure as Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid, the former coach looked composed and at ease while out with his partner, calmly entering a car amid reporters and fans capturing the moment on their phones. Though questions flew and cameras clicked, Alonso’s demeanor suggested something important: he’s okay, grounded, and ready to move forward.
Alonso’s rise to the Real Madrid coaching position was met with genuine excitement. A club legend as a player, he returned with high expectations after impressing at Bayer Leverkusen, where his tactical acumen and leadership had revitalized the German side’s fortunes. Many saw him as the perfect fit to reinvigorate Madrid’s attack-minded legacy, blending a respect for tradition with a modern approach to the game.
Why Xabi Alonso appeared relaxed despite Real Madrid’s sudden decision
During his time on the Real Madrid bench, Xabi Alonso delivered solid results despite the turbulence surrounding his exit. From July 2025 to January 2026, he coached 34 matches, recording 24 wins and an approximate 71% win rate. His team scored 72 goals while conceding 38, numbers that reflect both attacking efficiency and moments of defensive vulnerability. While results against top rivals exposed tactical friction at times, Alonso was widely viewed inside the club as a disciplined, clear minded coach who stayed committed to his ideas until the end.
The decision to part ways came swiftly after a dramatic Supercopa de España final loss. Reports indicated that internal tensions, a challenging run of form, and difficulties aligning the squad behind his tactical plans were key factors. What began as a promising era quickly turned into one fraught with challenges, leading the club and Alonso to agree on an early exit.
One of the most talked about aspects of his run was how he managed and sometimes struggled to manage star players. While not overtly critical, Alonso’s handling of minutes, rotations, and expectations around stars like Kylian Mbappé sparked conversation. Mbappé himself later publicly thanked Alonso for his confidence and leadership, highlighting respect despite the tumultuous ending.
Another point of tension, according to multiple sources, was the relationship with other key figures such as Vinícius Júnior, where alignment on tactics and roles within the team reportedly diverged. Though many fans and analysts framed it as part of the challenges inherent in managing a squad of strong personalities, it undeniably shaped the narrative of Alonso’s Madrid chapter.
Even with the exit, Alonso’s message has been one of gratitude and calm reflection. His parting words acknowledged both the honor of coaching Real Madrid and the reality that things didn’t unfold as planned but his spirit was far from broken. Walking beside his partner, he showed a different side of the football world’s often harsh spotlight: a human being ready for the next chapter, intact in confidence and poise despite the headlines.
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