Xabi Alonso leaves Real Madrid after dramatic Supercopa defeat to Barcelona

Real Madrid have parted ways with Xabi Alonso after just seven months in charge at the Bernabeu.

The Spanish coach was hired from Bayer Leverkusen after a stunning run in the Bundesliga, with the Basque helping to dethrone Bayern Munich and end a run of 11 successive league titles, but quickly found himself under pressure amid mixed results this season.

A club statement on Monday read: “Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end.

“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.

“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.

Alvaro Arbeloa, a former teammate of Alonso’s at Spain, Liverpool and in the Spanish capital who has impressed as coach of Real Madrid B, has been appointed his successor.