Xabi Alonso expressed gratitude to Real Madrid after his seven-month coaching tenure concluded with turbulence and several key defeats. Despite the challenging stint, Alonso stated it was an honor to coach the club where he previously played. Real Madrid has appointed former player Alvaro Arbeloa as Alonso's successor. Alonso's managerial period was marked by losses to PSG, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, and a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona.