Xabi Alonso has lamented the failure of his seven-month tenure at Real Madrid where he suffered a series of humbling defeats by big European rivals and clashed with senior players.
The 44-year-old Spaniard, who had enjoyed success in Germany where he coached Bayer Leverkusen to a first Bundesliga title without losing a game, was unable to replicate that with the team he once graced as a player and left by mutual agreement on Monday.
"This stage of my career has come to an end, and it has not turned out as we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility,” Alonso wrote on Instagram.
Alonso’s tenure was marred by internal discord, with reports of clashes with senior players, including co-captain Federico Valverde and winger Vinicius Junior.
His last match in charge was a 3-2 defeat by bitter rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
"I am grateful to the club, the players and, above all, the fans... I leave with respect, gratitude and pride in having done my best,” Alonso said.
His departure came a little more than seven months after Madrid appointed him. Second-team manager and former teammate Alvaro Arbeloa replaces Alonso.
Madrid described Alonso as a “Real Madrid legend.”
REUTERS
