Real Madrid’s decision to sack Xabi Alonso just over six months into his tenure at the club shocked the world, especially given how his side had seemingly just turned around the results.
The defeat to Barcelona was indeed a major factor, but the truth of the matter is that the reason extended far beyond the sporting aspect. Internal rifts with the president are said to have played their part.
All in all, Alonso was removed with immediate effect and Alvaro Arbeloa installed in his place with the plan being to bring in an elite manager in the summer.
The special one speaks
Mourinho shut down rumours of a Real Madrid return after Alonso’s sacking. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was asked in a recent interview if he considered a return to Madrid to be a feasible option given the current scenario. His response, however, was a resounding no.
“Return to Real Madrid? Don’t count on me for soap operas. There are good soap operas, but they’re very long. If you miss 1 or 2 episodes, you lose track,” he said via MARCA, mocking the constant drama in the Spanish media around Real Madrid.
He then asked for himself to be excluded from such links, clarifying that he has no plans of a return.
“Don’t count on me, because I don’t watch soap operas.”
As it stands, Arbeloa will remain in charge of the first-team until the end of the season and the administration are already looking for a longer-term fix.
Jurgen Klopp, if he is open to the job, is the frontrunner in the race and many within the club administration admire his work. Enzo Maresca and Zinedine Zidane have also been linked, as has Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.