Headline: Fulham’s Alvaro Arbeloa Prepares for Chelsea Clash, Addresses Squad Changes and Injuries
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa recently spoke to the press ahead of Monday’s Premier League match against Chelsea at Craven Cottage, set to kick-off at 20:00 BST. Arbeloa shared key updates about player availability, team transfers, and expectations for the upcoming derby.
In his media briefing, Arbeloa confirmed that midfielder Thomas Cairney will miss the match due to knee surgery he underwent this summer. Additionally, Joachim Anderson will remain sidelined as he serves a suspension.
When discussing the transfer market, Arbeloa stated, “We can make the squad stronger and more balanced, but I am happy with the way the club is at this moment this summer. We brought in three players, we are still working on it.” He expressed confidence in the new signings, saying, “They are talented players – young players with ambition. They fit with the way we want to play and they know what I expect from them. I’m happy to have them here with me. I think they will both do very well this season.”
As the season gets underway, Arbeloa emphasized the need for improvement, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “Football is about what you’re going to do to achieve things. The players have a very good attitude. We need to improve for sure – there are many new things, so we need time. We have a difficult month ahead of us, but this month will not define us.”
Reflecting on his past ties with Chelsea’s manager, Xabi Alonso, he noted, “We analysed Chelsea the way we do every team. I know well because I watched so many of his games, but we know it won’t be easy. They’re a very strong squad with top players. They have made good signings. We have to be ready.”
When asked about personal interactions with Alonso leading up to the match, Arbeloa shared that they spoke recently, but kept the conversation light, focusing on family visiting London rather than football. “For 90 minutes we will give everything for our clubs. For 90 minutes we are not friends. We both want to win that game.”
Arbeloa acknowledged the significance of the west London derby for fans and players alike, stating, “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. 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.”
Highlighting the importance of a victory against Chelsea, he remarked, “The only thing I can think about is our performance, to be ready to play. We are working very, very hard.”
Regarding home advantage, Arbeloa praised Fulham’s supporters, noting, “Craven Cottage was always a very difficult place to come. You can feel the supporters are very close to the pitch and now I want to feel that special moment as Fulham’s head coach. For us, [the fans] will be so important if we want to win games at home.”
Finally, he expressed appreciation for his predecessor, Marco Silva. “Marco did a very good job and he deserved that recognition because he did very, very, very well and the players were so happy and so comfortable with him. Now is a new time with a new manager, but it has been so easy for me. Everyone at the club has made me feel very welcome so I’m so happy and I enjoyed this time.”
Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been speaking to the media before Monday’s Premier League game against Chelsea at Craven Cottage (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Arbeloa confirmed midfielder Thomas Cairney will be unavailable after surgery on his left knee in the summer, plus Joachim Anderson is out through suspension.
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On transfers: “We can make the squad stronger and more balanced, but I am happy with the way the club is at this moment this summer. We brought in three players, we are still working on it.”
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He added about Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, who were brought in from Real Madrid: “They are talented players – young players with ambition. They fit with the way we want to play and they know what I expect from them. I’m happy to have them here with me. I think they will both do very well this season.”
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On the start to the season: “Football is about what you’re going to do to achieve things. The players have a very good attitude. We need to improve for sure – there are many new things, so we need time. We have a difficult month ahead of us, but this month will not define us.”
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On facing Xabi Alonso with their history together at Real Madrid and Liverpool: “We analysed Chelsea the way we do every team. I know well because I watched so many of his games of his teams, but we know it won’t be easy. They’re a very strong squad with top players. They have made good signings. We have to be ready.”
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Asked whether they have spoken in the build-up to the game: “A few days ago but we didn’t talk about football because our families are coming over to London. We are very good friends. On Monday night we will be down on the touchline, so close, and we will do everything for our club. For 90 minutes we will give everything for our clubs. For 90 minutes we are not friends. We both want to win that game.”
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Asked whether he understands the importance of the west London derby: “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. 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.”
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He added: “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.”
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On home advantage for the opener: “Craven Cottage was always a very difficult place to come. You can feel the supporters are very close to the pitch and now I want to feel that special moment as Fulham’s head coach. For us, [the fans] will be so important if we want to win games at home. I can’t wait for Monday.”
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Asked about his predecessor, Marco Silva: “Marco did a very good job and he deserved that recognition because he did very, very, very well and the players were so happy and so comfortable with him. Now is a new time with a new manager, but it has been so easy for me. Everyone at the club has made me feel very welcome so I’m so happy and I enjoyed this time.”
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