Real Madrid have confirmed Xabi Alonso has left his role as first-team manager following defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The decision comes less than 24 hours after Los Blancos suffered a dramatic 3-2 loss to their rivals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The club confirmed Alonso’s exit was reached by mutual agreement, despite the Spaniard only joining last summer.
In a statement, Real Madrid said:
“By mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach.”
The club added that Alonso “will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans” and thanked him and his staff for their work.
Madrid’s form has dipped in recent months after sitting five points clear at the top of La Liga following an October win over Barcelona.
They have since struggled in the Champions League and now trail Barca by four points domestically.
Speculation had continued over Alonso’s future, with questions raised about dressing-room support and whether players had fully embraced his approach.
Back in November, Alonso admitted the pressure of managing a club of Madrid’s size, saying:
“It’s demanding… You have to know how to live with it.”
Now, Real Madrid have decided to move on, bringing Alonso’s short spell at the Bernabeu to an end.