News Focus
- Xabi Alonso regrets his decision to become Real Madrid manager in 2025
- The Spanish coach left the Bernabeu in January following defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final
- Serious unrest has hit the dressing room since his departure, including a physical fight between two senior players
- Alonso rejected offers from Liverpool and Bayern Munich before joining Madrid
- Anfield could provide his next managerial role if the club parts ways with current boss Arne Slot
Xabi Alonso has admitted that accepting the Real Madrid managerial position last year was an error of judgment. The former Liverpool midfielder now believes the timing was wrong for his return to the Spanish capital.
Alonso joined Los Blancos from Bayer Leverkusen with high hopes of defeating Barcelona for the La Liga title and securing a 16th Champions League trophy. However, his time in charge ended quickly. He departed in January by mutual agreement after losing the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona, despite winning his first El Clasico 2-1 at the Bernabeu weeks earlier.
The situation at the club has worsened since his exit. Earlier this week, teammates Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde were involved in a violent clash that required Valverde to receive hospital treatment. This incident highlights the deep divisions within the squad that emerged following Alonso’s sudden departure.
Before moving to Madrid, the 44-year-old turned down opportunities to manage Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Sources close to the coach suggest he now questions that choice, viewing the difficult season as evidence that he should have waited longer before taking charge of his former club.
Alonso is already considering his future options. Speculation suggests he could replace Arne Slot at Liverpool if the Dutchman leaves Anfield this summer. While a return to the Bernabeu remains possible in later years, the Spanish giants currently appear focused on other targets, including Jose Mourinho.