Fulham confirm Alvaro Arbeloa as new head coach on three-year contract | OneFootball

Fulham have confirmed the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as the club’s new head coach following Marco Silva’s departure to Benfica earlier this summer.

The former Real Madrid manager has signed a three-year contract at Craven Cottage, keeping him at the Premier League club until the summer of 2029.

Arbeloa arrives after a rapid rise through the coaching ranks at Real Madrid, where he progressed from the academy to the Castilla side before taking charge of the senior team during the second half of last season.

The 43-year-old replaces Silva, who spent five years at Fulham after guiding the club back to the Premier League and establishing them as a consistent top-flight side.

Fulham had considered more than one candidate for the vacancy, but Arbeloa ultimately convinced the club’s hierarchy during talks over his football philosophy, coaching staff and long-term vision.

Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Arbeloa said he was excited to begin a new chapter in English football.

“It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC,” he 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.”

The Spaniard added that he was looking forward to meeting the players, experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage and beginning pre-season preparations.

Owner Shahid Khan described Arbeloa as the outstanding candidate for the role after a series of meetings throughout June.

Khan praised the Spaniard’s ambition, attacking philosophy and commitment to youth development, believing he is the right coach to take Fulham forward.

Tony Khan also welcomed the appointment, highlighting Arbeloa’s football knowledge, work ethic and determination to succeed in the Premier League.

Arbeloa’s coaching career began with Real Madrid’s youth teams, where he enjoyed considerable success.

He won league titles at multiple academy levels before leading the club’s Under-19 side to a domestic and European treble.

That work earned him promotion to Real Madrid Castilla before he was handed the first-team job following Xabi Alonso’s departure.

Although his spell in charge lasted only until the end of the season, Arbeloa guided Madrid to second place in La Liga and produced an impressive Champions League run that included eliminating Manchester City before eventually losing to Bayern Munich.

As a player, Arbeloa enjoyed a decorated career with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Spain.

He won two Champions League titles, La Liga, the FIFA World Cup and two European Championships before ending his playing career with West Ham United in 2017.

Arbeloa will now begin preparations for his first season at Fulham, with his competitive debut set to come against Chelsea, managed by his former Real Madrid team-mate Xabi Alonso, in the opening round of the new Premier League campaign.