Xabi Alonso has expressed gratitude for his time as Real Madrid manager following his departure on Monday after just seven months in charge, Afrosport reports.
The Spaniard decided to part ways with Los Blancos in reaction to Sunday’s 3-2 loss to fierce rivals Barcelon, which denied him the chance to win his first piece of silverware since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
Alonso was unable to have control of the dressing room and had reported clashes with players who were at odds with his coaching methods.
Despite the difficulties, he was thankful for his time on the dugout at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“This stage of my career has come to an end, and it has not turned out as we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour and a responsibility,” he said in an Instagram post.
“I am grateful to the club, the players and, above all, the fans… I leave with respect, gratitude and pride in having done my best.”
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Former player Alvaro Arbeloa has been appointed as the new manager, with his first game being a visit to Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Wednesday.
