Xabi Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid after making Trent Alexander-Arnold prediction

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was sacked as Real Madrid manager after their Spanish Super Cup defeat, but not before predicting ex-Red Trent Alexander-Arnold would improve in the second half of the season

Xabi Alonso, on the surface, wasn’t performing badly at Real Madrid. However, at the Bernabeu, it never takes much for the former Liverpool midfielder to face scrutiny.

A defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup proved the breaking point, with Raphinha scoring the decisive goal in Saudi Arabia. Earlier in the campaign, public dissent from Vinicius Jr had reflected poorly on Alonso, and despite Real Madrid sitting just four points behind the La Liga leaders, the decision was made and Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed.

“This professional stage is over, and it didn’t go as we would have liked,” Alonso posted on Instagram. “Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour and a responsibility.

“I thank the club, the players and above all the fans and Madrid fans for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and pride that I did my best.”

Among the players Alonso recruited at Real Madrid was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined from Liverpool several weeks before his deal ran out so he could feature in the Club World Cup.

Alonso made a prediction about the former Reds star shortly before his departure, expecting Real Madrid to witness improved performances from their summer signing in the latter half of the campaign.

“I think we will see a better Trent,” Alonso remarked in a press conference. “Without doubt it’s positive after the injury he could do 90 minutes against Elche, 90 against Olympiacos.

“We need him. It’s his first year and it’s normal to have this adaption (period).

“He’s starting to feel (like) himself,” Alonso added. “He is demanding too, he plays at a top, top level. We have to be there for him, in this change that is so big for him, but it’s good news.”

Alonso has quickly become the subject of speculation linking him with positions at other clubs. If Pep Guardiola departs Manchester City next summer, he could emerge as a potential contender for the Etihad hot seat.

While his spell at Real Madrid didn’t work out, his impressive record at Bayer Leverkusen – where he secured the Bundesliga title with an unbeaten campaign – has given him more than enough credibility to land another top job.

After stints in Germany and Spain, a switch back to the Premier League might be the logical next step. There’s certainly no shortage of Liverpool fans who would welcome seeing Alonso in the Anfield dugout at some stage.