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Xabi Alonso Leaves Real Madrid

Jan 13, 2026

Xabi Alonso has left his post as Real Madrid manager by mutual consent after just eight months in charge of the Spanish club.

His departure comes a day after Real were beaten by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, while they also trail the Catalan side by four points in the La Liga standings.

It also comes amid widespread speculation about disagreements with the players and club officials over his tactics.

Alonso’s place will be temporarily taken by Real’s reserve team coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

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Meanwhile, Man United have reportedly settled on Michael Carrick as their interim manager until the end of the season, following the recent sacking of Ruben Amorim.

Sources say he got the job ahead of former United boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, with an official announcement expected later today.

If confirmed, this will be Carrick’s second spell in charge, having led the team on a caretaker basis back in November 2021.

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Liverpool are safely through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

This, after the Reds recorded a comfortable 4-1 win over Barnsley this morning, to extend their unbeaten run to 11 matches across all competitions.

They will go on to face Brighton in the next round.

Among the other fourth round match-ups…Arsenal will entertain Wigan…Chelsea travel to Hull City…Man City will face either Salford or Swindon…while Aston Villa will take on Newcastle in an all-EPL encounter.

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US auto giant Ford has rubbished speculation that its new engine partnership with the Red Bull F1 team is dependent on four-time world champion Max Verstappen staying with the outfit.

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And Australian Open organisers are optimistic of a record turnout for this year’s Grand Slam, after nearly 30 thousand spectators turned up for the first day of the qualifiers yesterday.