Window shut, sleep caught up on and now just on pitch matters to focus on until the New Year. Nice.
It was a marathon Deadline Day livestream, which captured all the emotions of what a Fulham journalist and fan goes through on the final day of the transfer window.
We added Manuel Angel, Hugo Larsson and David Affengruber to the squad, and when Arbeloa spoke to the press this morning, he shared his delight regarding his three new arrivals.
“Three players joined us, three quality players. We are happy with them. We are so, so happy with all the players that have joined us during the summer. Now, it's time to be focussed for the next games. My job is to improve my players. We know who we are and who we want to be”, he said.
When all was said and done, Kenny Tete ended up staying at the club. Good news, in my opinion. Tete was close to a late move to Everton and wasn’t involved against Sunderland. But he’s back and it sounds as if he’ll be in contention for tomorrow’s game.
“He’s very happy to be here for another season. He has experience, he knows the club, the Premier League perfectly. We are happy with him for sure.”
Arbeloa gave his thoughts on signing two additional midfielders, an area of the pitch where Fulham have lacked bodies in recent seasons, but now, the midfield is well stocked with tons of depth.
“Hugo and Manuel Angel are number eights. These are the type of players we need. They are specific number eights; I felt like we needed something there."
Fulham did get their right-footed centre-back through the door. David Affenbruger, signed from Elche. Here's what Arbeloa said abou the new man at the back.
“He is very good with the ball, he understands the game very well, he will help us in the CB position. I'm very happy with these new players. It's a little early for these three players (for tomorrow). These players need a little bit of time, but be patient with these players."
The three newbies may feature on the bench, but apart from that, it sounds like Tom Cairney will be the only player missing through injury tomorrow.
It’s been a testing start to life as Fulham head coach for Arbeloa. Two defeats in two in the league, despite advancing in the Carabao Cup. He will be keen to earn his first points as Fulham boss against Crystal Palace tomorrow, a side that have failed to pick up a point in their first two Premier League games too.
Now the window is closed, the speculation can stop and it’s all about the football.
“When you start a new project, new manager, with six players coming - it needs time. We need to keep improving and the results will come. Now I can focus on the squad I have, it's time to work with all the players. Pressure is part of my job, but it doesn't change the way we've been working”, said Arbeloa.
Looking back on the Sunderland game, AA had some reflections.
“Yes, I think like I said before, I feel that I didn’t prepare my players in the way that have to do because when you perform so far from what you expect, I think there is a person that is responsible, that is me. So I need to help my players to perform at their best level and I need from there the energy, the ambition and the character.
“But when we lose a game, like we did against Sunderland, I feel that I am the person in charge, so it’s on me.”
Tomorrow is a big game for both sides. Fulham’s record against Palace at the Cottage is poor. But, for both sides, things have changed on and off the pitch. It’s a chance to end the hoodoo, to claim a first league win of the season and calm some of the nerves and anxiety that the fanbase may be feeling right now.
There’s more to come from Arbeloa from 5pm this evening. Those quotes can be found on my Patreon and X pages.
Have a good weekend, and let’s hope we’re out on Saturday night toasting three points. COYW!
I'm not the biggest fan of the direction Fulham have taken since the departure of Silva but it is refreshing to see Arbeloa taking responsibility for the way we played against Sunderland. Fair play to him. Not many managers do this. Hoping for a good result v Palace. COYWs.