Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso: Sacked by Real Madrid, old friends now Premier League rivals

Published Aug 24, 04:23 AM UTC

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The article previews the Premier League match between Fulham and Chelsea, focusing on the managers Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso. Both were sacked by Real Madrid last season—Alonso after a brief stint as first-team coach, and Arbeloa after replacing him as reserve team manager. They are long-time friends and former teammates at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and the Spanish national team, winning multiple trophies together. Their careers have closely intertwined since playing days, through coaching roles at Real Madrid's academy, and now as Premier League rivals. The match marks a new start for both, with Alonso appointed Chelsea manager in May 2026 and Arbeloa taking over Fulham in July 2026.

Source

Soccer - The AthleticWestern

Original headline: Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa: Sacked by Real Madrid, old friends are now Premier League rivals

Original language: EN

Part of this Story

Former Real Madrid Teammates Alonso and Arbeloa Face Off as Premier League Rivals

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People and interests

Xabi Alonso Chelsea Real Madrid Premier League