Arbeloa and Alonso prepare for managerial clash as Fulham hosts Chelsea
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 7:01 AM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham will face Xabi Alonso's Chelsea on Monday in their first Premier League clash as managers. Former Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez shared insights on both players, highlighting Arbeloa's surprising rise to management compared to Alonso's previous coaching success in the Bundesliga. The two, who played together for Spain and Real Madrid, have maintained a close friendship despite their rivalry on the pitch. Their match will take place just two miles apart, showcasing their parallel careers in management.
- •Arbeloa's Fulham hosts Alonso's Chelsea on August 28, 2026.
- •Benitez notes Arbeloa's unexpected managerial journey.
- •Both players enjoyed success with Spain, winning major trophies.
- •Alonso has prior coaching experience at Bayer Leverkusen.
- •Arbeloa and Alonso are close friends despite their managerial rivalry.
- 7:01 AMYahoo Sports — Arbeloa v Alonso: Benitez on his former players turned managers
- 6:59 AMBBC Sport — Arbeloa v Alonso: Benitez on his former players turned managers
"Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez on his former players Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa who face each other as managers on Monday when Fulham host Chelsea.
"Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez on his former players Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa who face each other as managers on Monday when Fulham host Chelsea.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 7:01 AMArbeloa v Alonso: Benitez on his former players turned managers
Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez on his former players Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa who face each other as managers on Monday when Fulham host Chelsea.
- BBC SportAug 24, 2026, 6:59 AMArbeloa v Alonso: Benitez on his former players turned managers
Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez on his former players Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa who face each other as managers on Monday when Fulham host Chelsea.
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