Ex-Liverpool star replaces Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid as Trent Alexander-Arnold finds out new boss

Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa will replace Xabi Alonso as coach of Real Madrid in a move that could help the struggling Trent Alexander-Arnold find minutes

Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled to find his footing under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Real Madrid has made a change at manager just at halftime into the 2025/26 campaign: Xabi Alonso — the former Madrid midfielder and top managerial prospect due to his success at Bayer Leverkusen — is out of a job.

Alonso helped Liverpool win the 2005 Champions League, and he'll be replaced in the Los Blancos dugout by another ex-Reds Spanish international: 42-year-old Alvaro Arbeloa. The Reds inquired about Alonso's services in 2024 and may circle back for their former midfielder.

The sacking may serve as a boon to the currently injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer over the summer. He has just 11 appearances this season, but the presence of another ex-Reds right back could help his chances.

Arbeloa joined the Los Blancos academy setup in 2020, coaching the Juvenil-A team. He led the side to the treble in 2022-23 (the league, Copa del Rey, and Champions Cup titles).

The ex-Reds standout was named coach of Real Madrid B in June 2025 and remained in close contact with Alonso. He'll now get a chance to guide a Madrid A team four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga table.

Arbeloa featured for Liverpool 66 from 2007 to 2009, appearing in the 2007 Champions League final against AC Milan off the bench. He moved to Real Madrid — his boyhood club — in 2009 and won a pair of UCLs in addition to a La Liga title and two Copa del Reys. Arbeloa lined up 56 times for the Spanish national team and owns a 2010 World Cup winners' medal.

Alonso came under pressure following a stretch in November — started by an away loss to Liverpool in the Champions League — where his side won just twice in eight games.

Arbeloa served as coach of Real Madrid Casilla in 2025/26(Image: Getty Images)

A 3-2 loss to Barcelona in Saturday's Spanish Super Cup final was his death blow. Still, the Spanish manager will finish his Real Madrid with a 71% win percentage, the best mark in club history.

"Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home," Real Madrid said in a statement on Monday.

"Our club thanks Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives."

Alonso has dealt with an injury-riddled defense all season, including Alexander-Arnold's extended periods on the sideline. David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao have all also missed time.