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.
Rafael Benitez, the former Liverpool manager, recently reflected on his former players, now managers, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa. When asked if he anticipated these outcomes, Benitez was forthright. Alonso, yes, but Arbeloa, not so much. For Benitez, Arbeloa's transition was unexpected. The two played together for seven years at Real Madrid and Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships. They also claimed domestic league and cup titles during their time at Real.
Last season, Arbeloa replaced Alonso at Real Madrid when the latter was dismissed. Benitez noted that Arbeloa's journey to the managerial role was similar to his own, starting at Real Madrid B and then moving to Madrid. Both returned to England in July to take up managerial positions in the Premier League. Despite their rivalry on the pitch, Arbeloa and Alonso are close friends off the field. They have been living close to each other in Cobham, Surrey, with their children attending the same school.
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