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Former Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is close to finalizing a deal to become the new manager at Fulham, according to a new report.
Arbeloa had built a strong reputation through his work with the Real Madrid youth setup, but that standing took a significant hit during a difficult four-month stint leading the first team. He was ultimately dismissed at the end of last season, a full year before his contract was set to run out.
Negotiations between Fulham and Arbeloa took place earlier this month and, per The Athletic, both sides are now working toward completing a deal that would bring the coach to Craven Cottage as the successor to Marco Silva, who has since moved to take the reins at Benfica.
Arbeloa Looking to Right the Wrongs of Real Madrid Tenure
Arbeloa's appointment to replace Xabi Alonso in the Madrid dugout earlier this year came as quite a shock, with many questioning whether he was anything more than a temporary fix. It was during his tenure that things truly began to unravel at the Bernabéu.
Results were erratic and a breakdown of dressing room discipline emerged as a major concern. However, despite these problems occurring on his watch, the broader view is that Arbeloa cannot be held solely responsible.
Similar tensions had already been simmering beneath the surface during Alonso's time in charge, and it is now broadly acknowledged that both managers fell victim to a deeply troubled environment in Madrid, even if each could have managed certain situations more effectively.
Handling the oversized personalities within the Madrid squad was always going to be a tall order for a first-time manager who, despite showing real promise, was evidently not yet equipped for such a prestigious role. Very few coaches can successfully transition from academy football to managing a Clásico powerhouse, with the likes of Pep Guardiola and Zinedine Zidane standing as rare exceptions.
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In reality, a role like the one at Fulham is precisely what Arbeloa requires at this point in his developing career. He demonstrated considerable ability during his time at Madrid—eliminating Manchester City from the Champions League was a genuinely remarkable achievement—and now needs to refine those qualities away from the glare of the Bernabéu spotlight.
If everything falls into place, Arbeloa will be settled in the Fulham dugout well ahead of the new season opener, which happens to feature a home clash against Alonso's Chelsea on August 24.