Alonso breaks silence on Real Madrid dismissal
Xabi Alonso was relieved of his duties as Real Madrid head coach on Monday, but the Spaniard has spoken since, saying how proud he was of his commitment to the role.
The Spaniard was dismissed from his role on Tuesday (AEDT), just a day after a Supercopa de Espana final defeat to Clasico rival Barcelona.
Alonso won 70.6 per cent of his 34 matches at the helm, the sixth-best win percentage of any Los Blancos coach in all competitions.
Madrid is on course to reach the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League automatically, something it failed to do last season, while it is just four points behind LaLiga leader Barcelona.
However, reports of disagreements with players such as Vinicius Junior earlier in the season seemed to take their toll on both the coach and the team.
“This professional stage is over, and it didn't go as we would have liked,” Alonso posted to Instagram.
“Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour and a responsibility.
“I thank the club, the players and above all the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.”
Alvaro Arbeloa has since been appointed as head coach, with his first game in charge coming against Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
Los Blancos then host Levante in LaLiga on the weekend before a UEFA Champions League match against Monaco.
