BREAKING! Alonso leaves Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso has left his position as head coach of Real Madrid after just seven months in the role

Real announced the Spaniard's departure just a day after the club's defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. He departs with Real also second in the La Liga table, four points behind leaders Barcelona at the midway stage of the campaign.

The Spanish giants are also seventh in the Champions League table having won four our of their six games, losing the other two. A Real Madrid statement announced the club had parted ways with Alonso, who also had a stellar playing career at the club, via "mutual agreement".

The statement continued: "Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values ​​of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home. Our club thanks Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time, and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives."