Real Madrid have announced the departure of manager Xabi Alonso less than 24 hours after their Spanish Super Cup final loss to arch rivals Barcelona. The reports suggest that the 44-year-old Spaniard gaffer was not a popular figure in Madrid’s tent and cut the ties on ‘mutual consent’.
Rapid changes in the Madrid camp
In less than 24 hours after Madrid couldn't hold their nerves in a dramatic 3-2 loss to Barcelona in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Los Blancos have sacked the former Bayer Leverkusen manager, who joined the Spanish club last summer.
The announcement mentions, "Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach. Xabi Alonso will always hold a special place in the hearts of all Madrid fans, as he is a Real Madrid legend who has consistently represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home. Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives."
Also Read| ‘Historic clubs deserve respect,’ says Baichung Bhutia over Bengal football name controversy
Who is going to take charge?
Madrid were sitting comfortably at the top of the table when they had beaten their arch rivals, Barcelona, in late October. The Los Blancos were five points clear, and it looked like Alonso had Los Blancos back on track. Then arrived a poor run of form, which has seen the club struggle more in the Champions League, and now they are four points behind Barca. Questions were mounting about Alonso's future at the club.
There were speculations about the appointment of former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp if things didn't work out for the Spaniard. There were reports of dressing room unrest and players not fully convinced by Alonso's approach. Back in November, he admitted that being in charge of such a big club can take its toll.
Xavi Alonso mentioned, "It's demanding. I'm not the first coach that has to deal with these kinds of situations. I think about what Carlo [Ancelotti] or Mou[rinho] would do, [Manuel] Pellegrini too. It isn't new. You have to know how to live with it.”
