‘Excited’ Arbeloa aware of importance of derby clash
Alvaro Arbeloa says he is fully aware of the importance of the derby against Chelsea to Fulham fans.
The new Whites boss will begin his reign against the Blues, who are now managed by his close friend Xabi Alonso.
A victory over their neighbours would be a perfect start to Arbeloa’s Fulham reign.
“I know how important that game is for our supporters. It’s also very important for everyone at the club and for us, for the players, for me,” he declared.
“It’s the first game of the season, the first game at Craven Cottage. So we are ready, we are excited and of course we can’t wait for the game.
“It will be so important if we win against Chelsea. The only thing I can think about is our performance, to be ready to play. We are working very, very hard.
“It will be so important for us to win games at home. I can’t wait for Monday.”
Fulham ‘still working’ on more new signings, Arbeloa says#ffc pic.twitter.com/l97eceevPn
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The managers, who are former team-mates, will be in the spotlight, with Alonso also looking for a winning start.
Their friendship will be put aside for 90 minutes on Monday evening.
Arbeloa said: “We are very close friends, so we try to talk every month, every week. and now we will be closer and we can talk about the games – and also we have children and they are friends also.
“Yes, we are good friends and we spent many, many years together. Liverpool, Real Madrid, national team, so we are very good friends.
“You have to face your friends and they are (also)your rivals.”
