Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has been sacked midway through the 2025/26 season and replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa. This change creates clear winners and losers within the squad.
The winners include Vinícius Júnior, who reportedly clashed with Alonso over defensive tactics and is expected to regain his star role; Federico Valverde, who may return to central midfield; and the club’s academy players, whom Arbeloa plans to utilize. Antonio Pintus also returns as the lead fitness coach.
Losers include the board, facing scrutiny for spending on Alonso only to dismiss him seven months later, and Alonso himself, whose coaching reputation suffered. Players like Franco Mastantuono are also in doubt after previously losing their place.
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