🚨 BREAKING: Real Madrid sack Xabi Alonso and announce swift replacement

Xabi Alonso has been dismissed as head coach of Real Madrid , the club surprisingly announced on Monday evening.

Although he was only appointed last May on a three-year deal following an impressive spell in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, he has now departed.

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"By mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his tenure as coach," read a brief club statement.

"Xabi Alonso will always have the love 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.

"Our club thanks Xabi 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."

The club have announced that former defender and Castilla boss Álvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as their new head coach.

Alonso came under fire prior to Los Blancos' trip to the Supercopa de España , where defeat against old rivals Barcelona in the final proved to be the end of his time in charge.

Real currently sit four points behind LaLiga tabletoppers Barcelona and are next in action against Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

📸 FADEL SENNA - AFP or licensors