Arbeloa named as Fulham boss after Madrid exit
Fulham has announced former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa as its new head coach after Marco Silva's departure from Craven Cottage.
Arbeloa has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Cottagers after confirming his departure from the LaLiga giant at the end of the 2025-2026 campaign.
The 43-year-old replaced Xabi Alonso in the Spanish capital in January and went on to win 18 of his 28 games in all competitions, losing right and drawing two, but finished without any silverware.
Madrid finished second in LaLiga, behind rival Barcelona, while it was knocked out in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey.
Arbeloa's tenure was affected by several issues off the pitch, with high-profile players, including Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, in the spotlight.
However, Arbeloa is now relishing the chance to manage in the Premier League and build on the solid foundations laid by Silva, who is now in charge of Benfica.
"It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London," Arbeloa said.
"I feel a great sense of responsibility, and I'm deeply grateful to Mr. Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.
"I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week.
"I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together."
Arbeloa's first competitive game in charge comes at home against local rival Chelsea, which is now managed by Alonso, on 25 August (AEST).
Fulham finished 11th in the Premier League last season under Silva, level on points with 10th-place Chelsea and just one off a spot in the UEFA Conference League.
