Real Madrid’s Xabi faith faded in damaging December defeat

A more encouraging showing in the Spanish Super Cup final wasn’t enough to keep Xabi Alonso in charge at Real Madrid. The wear and tear of recent weeks, the team’s worrying physical condition, a mounting injury list, cracks in his relationship with key players, and the lack of signs that Alonso could turn things around all combined to force a premature end to a project that began in June with the Club World Cup (he had hoped to start with the new season). Since early December, the outlook had darkened, with rumors of his dismissal swirling around every game - especially after the 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo.

After the team’s return from Jeddah, Florentino Pérez, José Ángel Sánchez, and Alonso met and agreed to terminate the contract that bound them through June 30, 2028. The replacement was already lined up: Álvaro Arbeloa will take over as head coach for the remainder of this season and one more. In the coming days, the former Castilla boss will sign his new deal as the man in charge of the first team.

What seemed like a lifeline to buy a few more games turned into a farewell - a final appearance on the bench for the now-former Madrid coach. The defeat to Barcelona was the decisive blow, sealing a decision that had been taking shape since early December.

Real Madrid chiefs unhappy with conditioning

Club executives demanded changes to the team’s dynamics, with a particular focus on fitness - both conditioning and the rash of injuries plaguing the squad, the latest coming in Saudi Arabia, where Fede Valverde and Dean Huijsen joined the growing list of absentees.

The first step was bringing Miko Nihić back to Madrid’s medical staff. The next move was already written - and now it’s reality. Antonio Pintus has returned to the daily training routine of the first team. Under Alonso, Pintus had no role in player preparation, though he did travel with the squad on occasion, including the recent trip to Jeddah.

Alonso arrived at Real Madrid with his own staff. Club officials had hoped both Luis Llopis and Pintus would be part of his setup. There was no issue with Llopis, but Alonso insisted that fitness work remain under Ismael Camenforte. Starting Tuesday, January 13, that responsibility shifts to Pintus - the man who oversaw conditioning under Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti. He’ll also be a key figure as Arbeloa takes his first steps at the top level.

Alonso’s handling of Vinícius Júnior didn’t help stabilize the tenure of a head coach who, in recent days, appeared a far cry from the composed figure who began his Madrid adventure. In the Super Cup semifinal against Atlético Madrid, and Sunday’s clash with Barcelona, Alonso showed flashes of tension with Diego Simeone and Hansi Flick, betraying nerves amid the mounting pressure. Back in Madrid, Pérez and Alonso agreed it was time to draw a line under their president-coach relationship.

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