Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa: From Real Madrid sackings to Premier League rivals

Published Aug 25, 04:29 AM UTC

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Former Real Madrid teammates and close friends Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, both sacked as managers by Real Madrid last season, now face each other as Premier League rivals. Alonso, appointed Chelsea manager in May 2026, leads his team against Arbeloa's Fulham at Craven Cottage in the opening round. Their intertwined careers include playing together at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Spain, winning Euro 2008, Euro 2012, and the 2010 World Cup. Both began coaching at Real Madrid's academy before Alonso's successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen (winning the 2023-24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double) and Arbeloa's promotion to Castilla. Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid but was sacked in January 2026; Arbeloa briefly took over before also being dismissed. The article highlights their friendship, shared history, and the irony of their current rivalry.

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