Real Madrid have parted ways with Xabi Alonso after just seven months in charge at the Bernabeu.
The Spanish coach was hired from Bayer Leverkusen after a stunning run in the Bundesliga, with the Basque helping to dethrone Bayern Munich and end a run of 11 successive league titles, but he quickly found himself under pressure amid mixed results this season.
Real Madrid lost 4-3 to Barcelona in the Supercopa final on Sunday and trail their rivals by four points at the top of La Liga, while they sit seventh in Champions League table.
A club statement on Monday read: “Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end.
“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.
“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.
Alvaro Arbeloa, a former teammate of Alonso’s at Spain, Liverpool and in the Spanish capital, who has impressed as coach of Real Madrid B, has been appointed his successor.
"Of course, I am aware of the responsibility and the task ahead of me, and I am very excited," Arbeloa said on Tuesday.
"I've found a group of players who are really eager. They share my enthusiasm to fight for everything and to win."