Thibaut Courtois has strongly denied claims that Real Madrid's senior stars orchestrated the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The former Blancos midfielder left his post in January following a difficult start to the season, leading to speculation that key figures in the dressing room were unhappy with his tactical approach and training methods.

Real Madrid’s decision to make a managerial change has come under heavy fire from club legend Ivan Helguera, who has publicly questioned the hierarchy's wisdom in dismissing Xabi Alonso. Speaking on the Bajo Palos podcast alongside Iker Casillas, the former Los Blancos midfielder suggested that the club moved far too quickly to terminate a promising project whilst gambling on Alvaro Arbeloa.

Xabi Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid may have ended prematurely this year, but former team-mate Sami Khedira is adamant that the Spaniard’s story at the Santiago Bernabeu is far from over. The Basque tactician, who achieved legendary status after leading Bayer Leverkusen to a historic domestic double in 2024, was forced to pack his bags in the Spanish capital after just half a season in charge. However, the legacy he left behind in Germany and his tactical acumen continue to fuel talk of an eventual blockbuster return to the dugout of the 15-time European champions.

Xabi Alonso has reportedly turned down an approach to become Marseille's new head coach, citing the "chaotic" nature of the Ligue 1 giants as his reason for dismissing the prospect. The former Real Madrid boss is seeking a more stable project after his short-lived stint at the Bernabeu, with a potential vacancy at his former club Liverpool appearing on the horizon as pressure builds on Arne Slot.

Manchester City have added former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso to a three-man shortlist to potentially replace Pep Guardiola as manager, if the Spaniard leaves the club at the end of the season. There is a growing belief that the former Barcelona boss will depart once the campaign is over, and City are already putting together a succession plan.