Arbeloa Takes the Helm at Fulham: Spanish Coach Returns to London

Former Real Madrid, Liverpool and West Ham defender Álvaro Arbeloa is stepping into a new challenge as head coach of Fulham. The 43-year-old has signed a deal with the Cottagers that runs until the summer of 2029. Arbeloa already has a taste of life in the dugout at the highest level. He took charge of Real Madrid on an interim basis at the tail end of last season after Xabi Alonso was sacked. He oversaw 28 matches before being replaced by legendary Portuguese manager José Mourinho. But Arbeloa didn't stay idle for long — Fulham came calling and handed him the reins. London isn't unfamiliar territory for the Spaniard. He ended his playing career at West Ham in the capital, and also spent time at Liverpool during his Premier League days. There's a curious subplot to the new season: Fulham's first opponents will be Chelsea, now managed by none other than Xabi Alonso — the very man whose dismissal at Madrid paved the way for Arbeloa's first stint as a head coach.