Xabi Alonso breaks silence on Real Madrid firing - 'I did my best'

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has broken his silence on Instagram after being sacked by Real Madrid following the team's Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona

Xabi Alonso has been fired by Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Xabi Alonso has spoken out following his brutal dismissal by Real Madrid after merely seven months in charge.

The 44-year-old was fired by club president Florentino Perez in the aftermath of Real's 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final. The Spaniard, who represented Los Blancos between 2009 and 2014, had only assumed the role in June. During his 34 matches at the Bernabeu helm, Alonso secured 24 victories, suffering just six defeats.

However, internal unrest and claims that the former Liverpool midfielder had failed to command the respect of the squad's senior figures proved fatal. Alonso has now responded to his exit via Instagram.

"This chapter of my career has come to an end, and it hasn't gone as we would have liked," he posted. "Coaching Real Madrid has been both 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."

Florentino Perez has decided to part company with Alonso(Image: Getty Images)

Real had contemplated dismissing Alonso last month after slipping four points adrift of Barcelona in the La Liga standings. However, three consecutive victories before the winter break granted the former midfielder a temporary reprieve.

Los Blancos narrowly overcame Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals, but they were comprehensively outclassed by Hansi Flick's resurgent Barcelona. Goals from Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski sealed Real's fate, ultimately ending Alonso's turbulent tenure.

Madrid has named its reserve team coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, as the new manager. Arbeloa, a former Premier League star, played alongside Alonso at both Liverpool and Real.

Alonso's reputation has taken a hit since his return to the Bernabeu, following an impressive stint with Bayer Leverkusen, his first senior managerial role. He guided the German side to the Bundesliga title in his debut season, breaking Bayern Munich's dominance.

Leverkusen remained undefeated throughout the entire domestic season, also clinching the DFB Pokal. The team's sole defeat came in the 2024 Europa League final, losing to Italian outfit Atalanta.

Last season, Alonso steered Leverkusen to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga. Real snapped him up after parting ways with legendary boss Carlo Ancelotti, who now helms Brazil.

Alonso was hesitant to take the reins in time for the Club World Cup, but he was left with no choice. Real made it to the semifinals before suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Los Blancos kicked off the season with seven consecutive victories before succumbing to a 5-2 loss in the Madrid derby. In November, Real managed just two wins out of six matches and began December with only two victories in three games.