Kay Murray

This is when the problems really started to show.

We started to see the rumours of talks behind the scenes, between the boards, with the players as well in the dressing room.

Five straight games, though, as we go over the Christmas period and into the new year.

And then came the Spanish Supercopa final.

It was to Barcelona, a repeat of last year's final, and Real Madrid would lose 3-2.

And then the news came today, this morning, that Xabi Alonso would be leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent.

Real Madrid correspondent Alex Kirkland is with us now.

Let's get to the bottom of this, as to why this has been the case, the reasons behind Xabi Alonso's early departure as Real Madrid head coach, Alex.

Yeah, Talavera.

Even the subs felt important.

They were happy with their roles.

How much, Alex, did the relationship between Vinnie Jr.

and Xabi Alonso have to do with his departure?

Yeah, and a player alongside Xabi Alonso, who he's friends with.

And now it is Alvaro Arbeloa who's taking over.

And as Alex mentioned, seven seasons as a first-team player at Real Madrid, winning eight trophies, including two Champions League titles and one La Liga trophy.

He's been working in the ranks.

He took over Real Madrid-Castilla, which is the second team in May.

They're currently fourth place in the third tier.

And he's served as a coach throughout the ranks as well at various levels.