Rafa Benitez on former players Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa as managers

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has offered a brutally honest assessment of his former players Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, who are set to go head-to-head as managers on Monday. In a rare managerial duel, Fulham, managed by Arbeloa, will host Alonso's Chelsea side.

When asked if he had foreseen their transition into management, Benitez responded: "Alonso, yes. Arbeloa, not really. For me, Arbeloa was a surprise." Benitez noted that Alonso's path was shaped by playing under elite coaches and gaining tactical experience in different leagues, including his success with Bayer Leverkusen.

Regarding Arbeloa, who transitioned into management after working within the Real Madrid academy, Benitez highlighted the challenge of moving away from the safety of a major club. "He knows the Premier League, but his experience is shorter than Xabi's. We need to know how he can cope outside Real Madrid, which protects you in a way," Benitez explained.

Despite the competitive nature of Monday's fixture, the pair remain close friends who live near each other in Surrey. Benitez, who is currently seeking a new challenge, continues to monitor the development of his former players, stating he is happy to see them take inspiration from his own coaching philosophy as they navigate the demanding modern game.