Real Madrid splits with coach Xabi Alonso
by Alex Butler · UPIJan. 12 (UPI) -- Real Madrid and coach Xabi Alonso agreed to a mutual split, the Spanish La Liga soccer franchise announced Monday.
Alvaro Arbeloa, who coached Madrid's reserve squad, will replace Alonso as coach of the senior team. Alonso, who was appointed in June, held the role for less than a year.
"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," Madrid said in a news release.
"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."
Alonso, who played for Madrid from 2009 to 2014, led Los Blancos to the semifinals of the Club World Cup. They went 14-2-3 through their first 19 La Liga appearances this season. Los Blancos sit in second place, behind rival Barcelona (16-2-1) in the La Liga standings.
They will play Albacete in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey at 3 p.m. EST Wednesday in Albacete, Spain.
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