Benitez on Alonso and Arbeloa: One Surprised Him

Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez reveals which of his ex-players he expected to become a manager.

Rafael Benítez

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What happened. Rafael Benitez commented on his former players Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, who now manage Chelsea and Fulham respectively, ahead of their Premier League clash.

• Benitez said he expected Alonso to become a manager, but Arbeloa was a surprise.
• Both returned to England in July for their first Premier League managerial roles.
• Their clubs' stadiums are only two miles apart.

“Alonso, yes. Arbeloa, not really. For me, Arbeloa was a surprise.”

— Rafael Benitez

The two managers face off on Monday, with Benitez noting Arbeloa's shorter experience outside Real Madrid.

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Rafael BenítezJ. Alonso

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