La Liga giants Real Madrid have on Monday confirmed an immediate change on the club’s bench.
This comes in the aftermath of Los Blancos’ Spanish Super Cup final defeat at the hands of arch rivals Barcelona on Sunday night.
After widespread calls on the part of the club’s supporters for a change on the touchline over the last 24 hours, precisely as much has this evening been announced.
Xabi Alonso has departed with immediate effect, bringing to an end a short and drama-filled spell for the former midfielder back at the Bernabéu.
As per Real Madrid’s statement:
‘Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end.’
And Alonso’s replacement has since been named, too.
After long impressing with his exploits as a manager in Real’s youth system, another of the club’s ex-players, in Álvaro Arbeloa, has been given the nod to make the step up to first-team duties:
‘Real Madrid C. F. would like to announce that Álvaro Arbeloa will be the new first team coach.’
Conor Laird – GSFN
