We’ve had all the build-up, all the chatter, all the predictions, all the eye-rolls at certain predictions. And now we are well and truly ready to go.
We’ve had all summer to get ready for this new era at Fulham Football Club. A new head coach, new players, new kits, fresh start and the same old anticipation.
The press conference room was full of people this morning, all eager to here from Alvaro Arbeloa for the first time, ahead of what is a massive game to start the 2026-27 campaign. Fulham return to action on Monday night and I was sat ready to hear from the new boss.
On team news: it’s all looking good, at the moment. Just Tom Cairney out due to his knee injury, while Joachim Andersen is sidelined through suspension. Everyone else is available for selection, however Fulham still have a session or two before then.
So what did Arbeloa say to the press? I tweeted out a few lines, but the club posted the quotes in full on their website.
“Well, I think we have been working so hard during the pre-season with my players. I really love their attitude. They were open to learn, they were open to new ideas, and I really love their attitude, like I say. So, now we feel ready for next Monday – big game, and yes, we feel confident.”
On the new additions: “Well, they are different, but these two players are talented players, young players, players with ambition. I think they fit in the way that we want to play. Obviously, César and Gonzalo both know me very, very well, and they know what I expect from them.
“So I am happy to have them with me, and I think they will both do very, very well this season, and they are proper Premier League players.”
On the possibility of more additions: “Yes, of course. I think we can make the squad stronger and more balanced, but I'm happy with the way that the club is working during this summer, like I said, with the three new players, so we are still working on it.”
It all sounds exciting. The board and Arbeloa seem to working well in tandem, and everything seems to be going smoothly. It’s what any fan wants to hear.
Arbeloa on his time in England so far: “So far, so good. I am so happy to be here again in England, in London, after 10 years. My family came yesterday, so we are ready for this new chapter together. Obviously I changed a lot in these 10 years, but we are ready for this new challenge.”
Of course there were plenty of questions regarding his relationship with Xabi Alonso ahead of the game on Monday. The pair have been friends throughout their playing careers, and both have children who are also friends too.
Arbeloa was asked about Craven Cottage and what playing at home in front of the Fulham faithful can bring: “Yes – very, very, very important for us. I remember when I was a player, Craven Cottage was always a very difficult place to come. You can feel the supporters are really close to the pitch, and now I want to feel that special moment as Fulham Head Coach.
“For us, they will be very important if we want to win games at home. For sure, they are going to be so important for us.”
He ended the broadcast section of his first press conference with this quote:
“Every, every game, I expect that from my players. We don't know – we will win games, we will lose games, but I want a competitive team. I want a team that believes that we can beat anyone.
“I want a team that shows character, ambition, personality. Some days we will play good, some days we will play bad, but we need to show that we represent the Club in the right way.”
In the few times I’ve had the chance to speak with Fulham’s new head coach he has come across as very friendly, approachable, but also very ambitious. I couldn’t be more excited about what is to come this season.
There will be more quotes to come from Arbeloa across the weekend. Those quotes can be found on my Patreon page, where the support has been incredible. For that. I am so grateful.
Now, the football starts. Anything can happen, with everything up for grabs, it’s going to be fascinating to see what happens.
See you all at the Cottage on Monday. It’s going to be a cracking atmosphere. So, let’s start the season by making it a memorable and famous night under the lights on the banks of the Thames.
COYW!
Let's prove the naysayers (the New York Times Athletic predicts a 17th place finish) wrong!