Official: Iwobi, Bassey to Play Under Arbeloa at Fulham
The former Real Madrid boss has signed a three-year deal at Craven Cottage, taking over from Marco Silva and inheriting Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.
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Fulham have confirmed Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach, meaning Super Eagles duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey now have a fresh manager to work under heading into the new Premier League season.
The Spaniard has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Craven Cottage, stepping in as successor to Marco Silva, who left after his contract at the club expired and subsequently took charge at Benfica.
Arbeloa’s arrival comes only months after he took over at Real Madrid, a role he stepped into following Xabi Alonso’s move to Chelsea in January. He departed the Bernabeu in May, with Jose Mourinho brought in as his replacement.
Speaking after his appointment, Arbeloa described the move as a genuine honour, calling Fulham the oldest club in London and thanking owners Shahid and Tony Khan for the trust placed in him. He said he was looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage and beginning pre-season work with the squad.
For Iwobi and Bassey, the coaching change adds a new dynamic to their pre-season as they prepare for another Premier League campaign, with Arbeloa set to begin working with the group next week.
Did You Know?
- Alvaro Arbeloa’s move to Fulham comes just months after a brief spell in charge of Real Madrid, where he replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
- He was replaced at Real Madrid by Jose Mourinho after leaving the club in May.
- As a player, Arbeloa made 98 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions before returning to Real Madrid in 2009.
- His playing career wound down at West Ham United during the 2016-17 season.
- He signed a three-year contract to become Fulham’s new head coach.
- Marco Silva, the man Arbeloa succeeds at Fulham, has since taken charge of Benfica.
- Fulham is widely regarded as the oldest professional football club in London.
