{"id":38639,"date":"2026-07-08T03:43:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T03:43:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/08\/fulham-appoint-arbeloa-setting-up-a-fascinating-reunion-with-xabi-alonso\/"},"modified":"2026-07-08T03:43:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T03:43:28","slug":"fulham-appoint-arbeloa-setting-up-a-fascinating-reunion-with-xabi-alonso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/08\/fulham-appoint-arbeloa-setting-up-a-fascinating-reunion-with-xabi-alonso\/","title":{"rendered":"Fulham appoint Arbeloa…setting up a fascinating reunion with Xabi Alonso"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso’s careers have been closely intertwined since their playing days. The two were team-mates at Liverpool, but six months ago Alonso moved to Real Madrid to replace Arbeloa. Fulham have officially appointed Arbeloa as their new manager, following the Tolosa-born manager’s move to Chelsea, making them London neighbours.<\/p>\n
Arbeloa signs long-term contract with Fulham<\/h2>\n
In his first comments as head coach of the Cottages, Arbeloa said: “It is a real honor to start a new chapter at London’s oldest club, Fulham FC. I feel a huge responsibility and am deeply grateful to Mr Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me to lead Fulham in the Premier League.”<\/p>\n
The club have signed the former Real Madrid defender to a long-term contract until 2029, showing that they have full confidence in him.<\/p>\n
Negotiations between Fulham and Arbeloa quickly gained momentum after a short but intense spell at Real Madrid, where he was promoted from Castilla to replace Xabi Alonso. Negotiations accelerated after it became clear that Marco Silva would not renew his contract and would replace Jose Mourinho at Benfica. As is often the case in football, one manager’s move led to another manager’s move.<\/p>\n
Fulham owner Shahid Khan said: “Alvaro was one of our original candidates and made an outstanding case for our next head coach at our meeting in June.<\/p>\n
“It was immediately clear that he was and remains the right choice. I am delighted that he has accepted the challenge of taking Fulham forward and I have no doubt that our players, coaching staff and supporters accept his appointment as representing the present and future of our club.”<\/p>\n\n
John Stones pranks Thomas Tuchel with fake injury before hilarious dance in dressing room<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Arbeloa takes over a stable team in the Premier League<\/h2>\n
Fulham have established themselves as a mid-table Premier League club since winning promotion from the Championship for the 2021-22 season.<\/p>\n
Last season, the Cottages fought to qualify for European qualification until the final weeks of the season, something the club have not achieved since their last appearance in the UEFA Europa League in 2011-12.<\/p>\n
With Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez already set to leave, it is unlikely that Arbeloa will immediately take the club to the next level that Marco Silva narrowly missed out on. But despite being given time to build the project, his priority is to ensure the survival of the Premier League as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
“I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with the Fulham supporters and starting pre-season with the players next week,” Arbeloa said during the unveiling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am confident that we will enjoy a wonderful journey together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ironically, that journey begins on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with a home match against Chelsea, managed by long-time friend and former teammate Xabi Alonso.<\/p>\n
Spain’s influence continues to grow in the Premier League<\/p>\n
Arbeloa’s arrival means the Premier League will continue to feature a strong Spanish presence on the sidelines.<\/p>\n
Josep Guardiola left Manchester City after a historic period, but the league welcomed Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola. In addition to Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery, there will be five Spanish managers in the Premier League, representing 25% of the league’s head coaches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n