Xabi Alonso’s First Words After Being Sacked by Real Madrid
The farewell came after a painful final and an immediate decision. A brief message, but one loaded with meaning, marked the end of a chapter that finished sooner than expected.
Dismissed After the Supercopa Final
Xabi Alonso’s stint as Real Madrid head coach came to an end just hours after the Spanish Supercopa final, a defeat that ultimately proved decisive for his future. The club announced his dismissal on Monday afternoon, bringing to a close a project that had begun only months earlier amid high expectations.
The Basque coach had arrived in the summer after signing a three-year contract, but a combination of on-field results and the final blow in the Supercopa accelerated a decision that had already been taking shape behind the scenes.
A Farewell Message on Social Media
On Tuesday morning, Xabi Alonso spoke publicly for the first time since his exit. He did so through his official Instagram account, sharing a brief, sober statement marked by institutional respect.
“This professional chapter comes to an end, and it didn’t turn out the way we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility. I thank the club, the players, and above all the fans and Madridismo for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and the pride of having done my very best,” the coach wrote.
The message was accompanied by two images: one of Alonso directing from the touchline at the Santiago Bernabéu, and another alongside his players during a team talk at Valdebebas—symbols of a short but intense spell.
The Clause That Defined His Exit
Beyond the sporting aspect, Xabi Alonso’s departure also played out on a contractual level. Although he had signed a three-year deal, the agreement included a specific clause protecting the club in the event of a dismissal during the first season.
That clause was activated by Real Madrid, meaning the coach will only receive the salary corresponding to his first year, rather than the full length of the contract. In financial terms, Xabi Alonso will receive between €7 and €9 million as compensation—significant, but far less than what paying all three seasons would have entailed.
A Measured Ending and Lingering Questions
Xabi Alonso’s message carried no reproach or controversy. It was a composed farewell, consistent with the profile he maintained throughout his time on the Real Madrid bench. Still, his exit once again fuels the debate over the club’s immediate demands and the difficulty of sustaining projects without instant success.
The chapter closes quickly, but questions remain. For the club, a new page begins. For Xabi Alonso, the learning continues… away from the Bernabéu.
