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

Published Aug 26, 07:37 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. Their careers have been closely intertwined since playing together at Liverpool, Real Madrid, and the Spanish national team, winning multiple trophies including the 2010 World Cup. Both began their coaching careers in Real Madrid's academy before Alonso moved to Bayer Leverkusen (winning a Bundesliga and cup double) and then returned to Madrid as first-team manager. Arbeloa replaced Alonso at Castilla before also being dismissed. The match marks a new start for both managers.

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