Xavi Alonso Leaves Real Madrid As Club Announces Replacement

 

Xavi Alonso has quit his role as Real Madrid manager, less than a year into his appointment as the head coach. 

Madrid has announced the appointment of its former player, Alvaro Arbeloa, as the new head coach. Alonso left the job the day after leading the club to lose the Supercopa de España final to Barcelona at the King's Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He had only held the role of manager for eight months. 

The club confirmed the former manager left the role on "mutual" agreement between the former manager and the club. During his reign, he led Real Madrid to win 2-1 against the Catalan side in an El Clásico in October. 

"Xavi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans," said the club in a statement. "Our club thanks Xavi Alonso and his entire coaching staff for their work and dedication throughout this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives."

The 44-year-old was signed from Bayer Leverkusen, where he had served as manager for three seasons. He left the Bundesliga side after leading the club to win the league title for the first time in 30 years. The impressive run through the season was completed unbeaten, making them the first Bundesliga club to achieve the feat.