According to a report from Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Xabi Alonso regrets accepting the managerial role at Real Madrid in 2025. The 44-year-old coach believes that the timing was not right for him to return to the Santiago Bernabéu, and the chaos that has engulfed the team this season has only confirmed his concerns.
Alonso moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Real Madrid last summer, turning down offers from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. The club had high hopes that he would lead them to La Liga dominance over Barcelona and challenge for their 16th Champions League title. Although his first Clásico at the Bernabéu ended in a 2-1 victory, defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final proved pivotal. Days later, both parties agreed to terminate his contract, and Alonso was dismissed in January.
His departure sparked internal divisions at Real Madrid. Reports indicate that some players were unhappy with the club’s decision to let him go, while others took the opposite stance. This rift came to a head this week when midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde were involved in a physical altercation, with Valverde subsequently requiring hospital treatment. The team has struggled throughout the season, a stark contrast to the expectations before Alonso’s arrival.
Alonso is now actively seeking a new role and could return to management this summer. Liverpool is one potential destination — if the club decides to part ways with current manager Arne Slot, the former Reds midfielder could make a return to Anfield.