Explained: Why Xabi Alonso decided to leave Real Madrid as locker room left shocked from announcement

Despite Real Madrid’s recent defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, it was widely reported in the Spanish media that Xabi Alonso’s job remains safe.

The Spaniard had the total backing of the board, which was convinced the team’s performances had improved and that there was more unity in the locker room.

Despite that, Real Madrid have recently confirmed they have parted ways with Alonso , a statement that has come as a shock to many, with the club appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as his replacement .

In the wake of Xabi Alonso’s departure, Pepe Alvarez has offered some perspective about the Spanish tactician.

The journalist claims that Xabi Alonso has not been fired by Real Madrid . It was the manager’s own decision to leave the club.

Xabi Alonso felt he was not respected enough by the players. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Xabi’s decision to call it quits came against the backdrop of growing frustration over the lack of respect shown by the team and the dressing room.

It is no secret that Xabi has been fighting to keep hold of the dressing ever since being appointed as the Real Madrid boss.

The manager had a direct altercation with multiple players, including Vinicius Jr. and Federico Valverde

All of this had been simmering in Alonso’s mind for quite some time now, and it only intensified in Saudi Arabia, prompting the Spanish tactician to make the decision to quit.

Meanwhile, Edu Aguirre of El Chiringuito claims that the Real Madrid dressing room has been left shocked by Alonso’s decision to leave.

Aguirre adds that the players are not sure what to expect of new coach Arbeloa, who has extensive experience of coaching the youth teams but has no experience of handling a professional club.