Real Madrid has undergone a significant coaching change, with Xabi Alonso being dismissed as the first-team head coach around January 12-15, 2026. His departure came after a challenging period, culminating in a 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Alonso, who had taken charge of Real Madrid in June 2025 after a successful stint with Bayer Leverkusen, lasted less than eight months in the role, with reports suggesting difficulties in managing the dressing room and a strained relationship with some players. Following Alonso's exit, Real Madrid swiftly appointed former player Alvaro Arbeloa as the new head coach. Arbeloa, who had been coaching Real Madrid Castilla (the club's B team) since June 2025 and had a successful track record within the club's youth academy, was tasked with stabilizing the team. His tenure began with immediate pressure, as his debut match saw Real Madrid suffer a 3-2 loss to second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey, leading to an early exit from the competition. Amidst these changes, legendary former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane shared insights into his highly successful coaching philosophy at the club. Zidane, who won three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid, emphasized the importance of placing players at the center of the coaching approach, fostering trust, and being genuinely available to them. He stated that success stems from players feeling comfortable, confident, and enthusiastic. These comments from Zidane are being widely reported just days after Alonso's sacking and Arbeloa's appointment, adding a reflective layer to the ongoing managerial transitions at the Santiago Bernabéu.