Xabi Alonso was fired by Real Madrid after making Trent Alexander-Arnold prediction

Things have not gone particularly well for former Liverpool players Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold this season, with the Spaniard fired this week after losing to Barcelona

Xabi Alonso speaks ahead of what proved to be his final game as Real Madrid head coach.(Image: Ismael Adnan Yaqoob/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Xabi Alonso, on the face of it, wasn't doing too bad a job at Real Madrid. But at the Bernabeu, it was never going to take much for the former Liverpool midfielder to come under pressure.

Losing to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup proved to be the final straw, with Raphinha netting the winner in Saudi Arabia. Earlier in the season, dissent from Vinicius Jr was a bad look for Alonso, and though Real Madrid is only four points off top spot in La Liga, the trigger was pulled and Alvaro Arbeloa was brought in.

"This professional stage is over, and it didn’t go as we would have liked," Alonso wrote on 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."

One of the players that Alonso brought in at Real Madrid was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was signed from Liverpool a few weeks before his contract expired so he could play at the Club World Cup.

And Alonso made a prediction about the ex-Reds ace shortly before leaving, anticipating that Real Madrid will see more from its summer addition in the second half of the season.

Madrid, Spain - September 16: Trent John Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid C.F. and head coach Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid C.F. during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)

"I think we will see a better Trent," Alonso said in a press conference. "Without doubt it’s positive after the injury he could do 90 minutes against Elche, 90 against Olympiacos.

"We need him. It’s his first year and it’s normal to have this adaption (period)."

"He’s starting to feel (like) himself," Alonso continued. "He is demanding too, he plays at a top, top level. We have to be there for him, in this change that is so big for him, but it’s good news."

Alonso has immediately been linked with moves elsewhere. Should Pep Guardiola leave Manchester City in the summer, he could be a candidate considered at the Etihad Stadium.

Though his time with Real Madrid did not go well, he has more than enough credit in the bank from his time at Bayer Leverkusen — where he won the Bundesliga by going unbeaten — to earn a solid next move.

Having been in Germany and Spain, a return to the Premier League could make sense next. At some point, Alonso managing Liverpool is something that lots of supporters would like to see.

Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, has been linked with the vacancy at Real Madrid. "Where I am right now is the right place for me," he said this week, indicating that he is happy with his role with the Red Bull group.