Friends of Fulham

ÁLVARO ARBELOA APPOINTED FULHAM HEAD COACH

The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as the new Head Coach of Fulham.

The 43-year-old has agreed a three-year deal, tying him to Craven Cottage until the summer of 2029.

Following a trophy-laden playing career, Arbeloa's coaching journey has been forged at arguably the biggest side in the world, starting with Real Madrid's youth sides before taking charge of the senior team last season.

Álvaro Arbeloa: "It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London. I feel a great sense of responsibility and I'm deeply grateful to Mr. Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.

"I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week. I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together.

"Come on Fulham!"

(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/e7aa9a10-76bd-11f1-9829-e9845d72c6f7.jpg)

Shahid Khan: "Álvaro was an original candidate who built an exceptional case through our meetings in June to become our next Head Coach, and it quickly became quite clear that he was – and is – the right choice. I am delighted that Alvaro has accepted the challenge to push Fulham forward, and I have no doubt that our squad, staff and fans will resonate with what his appointment means for the present and future of our Club.

"Álvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious.  He has spent quality time around the best players, clubs and methods in the game, experiences which will serve him well here at Fulham. Álvaro also has great interest in our Academy set-up and believes in giving young players a chance. I loved hearing that from Álvaro, as well as his intent on playing attacking football. All of this and a lot more makes Álvaro Arbeloa an ideal fit to lead Fulham Football Club into the upcoming Premier League season and beyond."

Tony Khan: "I'm thrilled to welcome Álvaro Arbeloa as Fulham's Head Coach! Álvaro is highly intelligent with a profound knowledge of the sport, a very strong work ethic, and he is determined to succeed at Fulham. I'm excited and looking forward to a bright future for the Club under Álvaro's tremendous leadership! Come on Fulham!

The coach

Arbeloa's first taste of coaching came back at the Club where he spent so much of his playing career, when Florentino Perez brought him in to lead Real Madrid's Under-14 side.

After winning the league title in his first season, Arbeloa was promoted to coach the Under-16s, though he quickly moved up to look after the 19s, where he won the treble – La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions Cup – in his maiden campaign.

Having won the league again in 2024/25, Arbeloa was named as the coach of Castilla, Real Madrid's famed B side, replacing club legend Raúl who had held the position for the previous six years.

(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/7e917270-76b7-11f1-b233-b1f3f12aa21a.jpg)

Building a team that valued an aggressive press, defensive nous, and attractive football, Arbeloa spoke of how he looks to incorporate qualities of all the coaches he worked under. There are some big names in that list, too – the likes of Rafael Benitez, Zinedine Zidane, Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.

Arbeloa was only at Castilla for half a season before he was called upon to take charge of the Real Madrid first team, following the departure of Xabi Alonso – a man he will meet again on the touchline in Fulham's season opener against Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

During his time at the helm, he led them to a second-place finish in La Liga, though the highlight of his spell in charge at the Bernabéu will surely be the 5-1 aggregate victory over Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the Champions League.

(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/b6484b80-76b7-11f1-b233-b1f3f12aa21a.jpg)

The player

After time spent in the youth system at Real Zaragoza, Arbeloa joined Real Madrid at the age of 18, making his senior debut three years later in a 1-1 draw away to Real Betis in La Liga. He came off the bench to line up alongside Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos, Zinedine Zidane, Raúl, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Michael Owen.

His first start for Los Blancos came later in the season, when he shared a right-flank with David Beckham in a 3-0 victory over local rivals Atletico Madrid.

A permanent transfer to Deportivo de La Coruña followed, but he was only there for half a season before his performances attracted the attentions of Liverpool – a campaign that ended with him picking up a Champions League runners-up medal after replacing former Fulham defender Steve Finnan in their 2-1 loss to AC Milan in Athens.

After 98 appearances for the club, Arbeloa re-signed for Real Madrid, and the full-back went on to win no fewer than eight trophies during his time back in the Spanish capital.

(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/9a45ed10-76b8-11f1-b233-b1f3f12aa21a.jpg)

Two Champions League and two Copa del Rey triumphs apiece, in addition to winning La Liga, the Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup, mark one of the most successful periods in Real's history, with Arbeloa more than playing his part with 238 appearances.

On the international front, Arbeloa enjoyed success that most players could only dream of, with his 56 caps for Spain including two European Championship wins, one either side of his nation winning the World Cup for the  time in 2010.

(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/2327ffc0-76b8-11f1-b233-b1f3f12aa21a.jpg)

A brief spell back in the Premier League followed with West Ham United, taking him to 100+ matches in the competition, before he announced his retirement from playing at the age of 34.

(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1400x1400/c51f8a20-76b6-11f1-b233-b1f3f12aa21a.png)

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/july/07/alvaro-arbeloa-appointed-fulham-head-coach/

 :welcome1:

Classic Fulham with the post at 11:45pm. Must have thought it was deadline day...

 ::scarf::
Welcome to the best family club you will ever find....
Honoured to have you...
Very best of luck Sir 👍
 :Khan_you_fix_it:  ::wine::

A bit late in the day for an announcement like that, but I'm happy that we got a manager in at least. Huge risk that could go either way. Hopefully it will be Europe and not relegation.

And announced bang in the middle of the Columbia v Switzerland penalty shoot out!

thank heavens it is confirmed
let's hope he deliveres

He has his work cut out for him. Best of luck!

Pete Rutzler also confirming the reason for the delay in announcing was due to work permits for him & the staff he's bringing with him

Tony Khan timezone.

What in the deadline day is going on? 11.45pm?  :slap:

So can we call him Al?

Nice easy chant to start

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/boI_zpK6N3Q

He seems a good appointment. Silva was taking fewer attacking risks with each passing season. From Arbeloa's previous endeavours, together with what our Chairman says about him, I'm looking forward to us playing a more exciting brand of football.

Love the enthusiasm being shown on here. Absolutely love it.

We have our new manager. I wish him well and hope it is onwards and upwards, but he gets my full, unconditional support this season while we find out if one of the smallest clubs in the Premier League can continue to punch well above its weight.

Alvaro Arbeloa, AA, should be ok if his car breaks down!

Best of luck AA

A new dawn at the club

I have no idea whether he will be successful but reading his CV he has a hell of a footballing pedigree

Welcome to Fulham - welcome to the family

Hallelujah. ::scarf::  ::wine::

Initial impression is this I'd a risky appointment that could go either way.

Fingers crossed, as others have said, that it's European football we are competing for, not relegation

He'll have my support until he either loses it or he leaves

Quote from: Arthur on July 08, 2026, 01:18:00 AMHe seems a good appointment. Silva was taking fewer attacking risks with each passing season. From Arbeloa's previous endeavours, together with what our Chairman says about him, I'm looking forward to us playing a more exciting brand of football.

Id rather have a winning brand of football. Big Anges last season at Spurs could also be branded as exciting football

Quote from: Deuce on July 08, 2026, 06:52:56 AM

Quote from: Arthur on July 08, 2026, 01:18:00 AMHe seems a good appointment. Silva was taking fewer attacking risks with each passing season. From Arbeloa's previous endeavours, together with what our Chairman says about him, I'm looking forward to us playing a more exciting brand of football.

Id rather have a winning brand of football. Big Anges last season at Spurs could also be branded as exciting football

17th place and a European trophy. Yes please.

I'm excited by the appointment. The Silva project was a great success but had ran out of steam. I didn't want Silva to leave but in a way it reminds me of a relationship where things aren't good anymore but you can't contemplate ending it because of a sense of attachment. We need some fresh energy and I think Arbeloa offers that. Obviously the focus will now be on recruitment and this is where we will be gambling most, as he hasn't got any kind of track record in that area, and the transfer team at the club are no great shakes to put it mildly. But I'm really excited by the possibilities and however it goes it's unlikely to be drab.

Woke up to see this posted late last night.  :welcome1: & wish him all the best as we all want him to succeed.

As already said, strange time to post it, just before midnight, & seems he was not keen as we had to 'tie him down' to get him to sign for us.  ::wink::

Good luck to him!

Welcome to the club Alvaro. Good luck!  ::scarf::

Quote from: iansthailand on July 08, 2026, 05:06:58 AMAlvaro Arbeloa, AA, should be ok if his car breaks down!

Best of luck AA

Or has a drink problem!

Welcome Alvaro
COYSW

A big gamble/big risk - less than one season as a senior manager in charge of a squad worth over a billion Euro but if he's going to put resources into the Academy and integrate more of our younger players it could balance out longer term. Next the transfer window and how the current squad changes or is forced to change with the new manager and his plans

Bienvenido Alvaro
Wishing you, your family and your back up team every success and happiness in London with our very special club
 ::scarf::

We have a new Manager and his support team. We have heard something about the Manager but who are his support staff and what will they do. Will there be changes to the scouting system as a result?

Quote from: Nero on July 08, 2026, 12:43:00 AMNice easy chant to start

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/boI_zpK6N3Q

Best I've heard so far is:

We're not Real Madrid
We're not Barcelona
We are FFC
and we've got Arbeloa

 ::scarf::  ::scarf::  ::scarf::  ::scarf::

Well that came out of the blue...

Quote from: 3rdgenfan on July 08, 2026, 08:26:47 AM

Quote from: Nero on July 08, 2026, 12:43:00 AMNice easy chant to start

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/boI_zpK6N3Q

Best I've heard so far is:

We're not Real Madrid
We're not Barcelona
We are FFC
and we've got Arbeloa

 ::scarf::  ::scarf::  ::scarf::  ::scarf::

Like it, though I can also see the song for Silva being used, removing Parker and adding Silva.

I for one am looking forward to this one. I really hope he mixes the system up and brings in some new players. We were board to death by Parkerball, Silva brought us Parkerball v2. I want something exciting to watch please

Quote from: iansthailand on July 08, 2026, 05:06:58 AMAlvaro Arbeloa, AA, should be ok if his car breaks down!

Best of luck AA

Unless he drives us to Drink  :slap: 

Good luck AA.

Feels to me like the club is ready for new energy & direction.

Back in the days of the threat to become Fulham Park Rangers and Craven Cottage being developed who would have believed that one day our beloved club would be managed by someone who had previously run Real Madrid? A Fulhamish of the highest order. ::scarf::

Welcome to Fulham, Breakdown.

Quote from: KentFulham on July 08, 2026, 08:30:23 AMI for one am looking forward to this one. I really hope he mixes the system up and brings in some new players. We were board to death by Parkerball, Silva brought us Parkerball v2. I want something exciting to watch please

Arbeloa can't be as bad as Magath was...

"It's OK I'm with the AA"

::scarf::  ::scarf::  ::scarf::

So he likes youth - we've Bobb and LDF off the back of good world cup campaigns, then Diop who's performed really well for quarter finalists Morocco, Berge also in the QFs as is Castagne.. so add in Kevin, ESR, Andersen, King and others, he's got a good base at the club. Hopefully he's backed properly this summer and can hit ground running.

One other thing - Raul, Chuk have both been taken off the clubs website, whilst Harry Wilson is still up...

https://www.fulhamfc.com/teams

Does this mean Wilson was waiting to see who we hired and to have a chat with Arbeloa before making a decision? Could still stay it seems, despite people saying a move to Leeds is a done deal.

Quote from: bog on July 08, 2026, 09:02:45 AMBack in the days of the threat to become Fulham Park Rangers and Craven Cottage being developed who would have believed that one day our beloved club would be managed by someone who had previously run Real Madrid? A Fulhamish of the highest order. ::scarf::

FPR, we swerved a bullet there
Alvero is a potentially exciting gamble. However,if he can settle and get to grips with the squad quickly, introduce his Real Madrid academy players and identify his targets and get them signed up fast then there is a chance
His first test against Chelsea wow!

Franco Mastantuono looks a hell of a player if we can get him.

Left footed winger, a seriously better upgrade on Wilson and Chukwueze.

https://youtu.be/d3eVEBc6IYs?is=OLUzjQmB6HZGeRup

Quite excited by the Arbeloa appointment. Be interesting to see who he brings in, especially as we need a bit of a rebuild over the next 2 seasons and some players in we can develop for resale value.

Big project on his hands, but his success will also hinge on the club giving him a good platform to build on, by bringing in players early to maximise pre-season ideas and time.

The coaching/player management cv is impressive and he was highly regarded as a player so there can be no reason why some of our players fail to get their boots on with a sense of purpose. At times last season I felt some of our squad were bereft of energy, ideas and confidence.
I wonder if he is a 'show and tell' type coach. Could be the missing part of the ESR puzzle.

Good appointment, excited about this one and think it's an ambitious move by the club.

Managing the biggest club in the world 6 months ago working with Mbappe, Bellingham and Vinicius leading them to back to back victories over Man City. Well known for developing young players and playing an exciting brand of football. I suspect he will be able to attract some top players

His Castilla side had a very clear identity: possession, high pressing, intensity and the desire to dominate games. Flexibility when required, but with one non-negotiable principle: aggressive pressing without the ball. This is not a coach who wants his team sitting deep and defending its own box.

His influences are easy to spot too. Rafa Benítez's obsession with improving players individually. Pellegrini's love of attacking width and tempo. Mourinho's intensity, leadership and training-ground detail. And from Ancelotti and Del Bosque, the belief that man-management is just as important as tactics.

Welcome Álvaro Arbeloa and good luck.

I wonder how good a man-manager he is (a Silva strength)

Also, could he have a Kevin Keegan effect and attract good quality players to join us?

Looks all very promising, who will he be bringing with him?

Hasn't signed anyone. Hasn't bothered to train the players...
Arbeloa Out!

Exciting appointment IMO. Welcome aboard AA.

Welcome Alvaro. An exciting appointment but also a risky one. Let's hope he does what's promised, integrating more academy players and improving the attack. Whilst keeping things tight at the back of course.

We'll need to give him time, it took 10 games for Iraola to get his first Bournemouth win.

Quote from: Deeping_white on July 08, 2026, 12:11:42 AMPete Rutzler also confirming the reason for the delay in announcing was due to work permits for him & the staff he's bringing with him

And there were people on here who said it was nothing to do with visa's, and the whole thing stinks.

Quote from: Bassey the warrior on July 08, 2026, 11:30:10 AMWelcome Alvaro. An exciting appointment but also a risky one. Let's hope he does what's promised, integrating more academy players and improving the attack. Whilst keeping things tight at the back of course.

We'll need to give him time, it took 10 games for Iraola to get his first Bournemouth win.

Why do people keep saying it's risky, any manager/coach from top to bottom is a risk.

The BBC report ends with this:

"Arbeloa is keen to bring players with him, including attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, full-back Fran Garcia and forward Gonzalo Garcia."

Now when Arbeloa's name was first floated, it was said that he might be able to bring with him some Real academy prospects. Sounded as if he might hijack some promising kids who might or might not make it in our u18s.

The guys mentioned above are not kids. All three are full internationals, Fran Garcia is 26. All would be excellent additions to our squad. Gonzalo Garcia might be the goalscorer we desperately need and, as has been said, Mastantuono is a widely coveted prospect as an attacking midfielder. It would, surely cost £50+million to bring them to CC.

Welcome AA and all the very best. 

When I read:

"His Castilla side had a very clear identity: possession, high pressing, intensity and the desire to dominate games. Flexibility when required, but with one non-negotiable principle: aggressive pressing without the ball. This is not a coach who wants his team sitting deep and defending its own box."

I think: fine when your players are superior, as his would have been.  But try doing that when opponents have the better individuals and see where that ends up.

If he's a pragmatist, the style we think we are getting may not entirely match what's served up on the pitch.  When Hughes replaced Roy, it worked out OK, but only after senior players put the gaffer straight on the style of play that could work.

 :welcome1:  :welcome1:  :Khan_you_fix_it:

Just looking at the web page you can feel a change in the atmosphere with the players.

I'm very curious about this appointment. Leaning towards more excited than apprehensive, but there's so little to go on.

The Madrid links are exciting, and I think his experience winning the biggest trophies in the game and working with the top players could be invaluable - especially for the youngsters.

Quote from: AnotherVicHalomLoveChild on July 08, 2026, 09:54:49 AM

Quote from: bog on July 08, 2026, 09:02:45 AMBack in the days of the threat to become Fulham Park Rangers and Craven Cottage being developed who would have believed that one day our beloved club would be managed by someone who had previously run Real Madrid? A Fulhamish of the highest order. ::scarf::

FPR, we swerved a bullet there
Alvero is a potentially exciting gamble. However,if he can settle and get to grips with the squad quickly, introduce his Real Madrid academy players and identify his targets and get them signed up fast then there is a chance
His first test against Chelsea wow!

And an opportunity to become an instant legend!

Quote from: General on July 08, 2026, 09:34:56 AMSo he likes youth - we've Bobb and LDF off the back of good world cup campaigns, then Diop who's performed really well for quarter finalists Morocco, Berge also in the QFs as is Castagne.. so add in Kevin, ESR, Andersen, King and others, he's got a good base at the club. Hopefully he's backed properly this summer and can hit ground running.

One other thing - Raul, Chuk have both been taken off the clubs website, whilst Harry Wilson is still up...

https://www.fulhamfc.com/teams

Does this mean Wilson was waiting to see who we hired and to have a chat with Arbeloa before making a decision? Could still stay it seems, despite people saying a move to Leeds is a done deal.

It's a good squad with one glaring weakness. We MUST bring in a goalscoring striker.

Quote from: cmg on July 08, 2026, 12:44:36 PMThe BBC report ends with this:

"Arbeloa is keen to bring players with him, including attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, full-back Fran Garcia and forward Gonzalo Garcia."

Now when Arbeloa's name was first floated, it was said that he might be able to bring with him some Real academy prospects. Sounded as if he might hijack some promising kids who might or might not make it in our u18s.

The guys mentioned above are not kids. All three are full internationals, Fran Garcia is 26. All would be excellent additions to our squad. Gonzalo Garcia might be the goalscorer we desperately need and, as has been said, Mastantuono is a widely coveted prospect as an attacking midfielder. It would, surely cost £50+million to bring them to CC.

Yes, I believe Gonzalo Garcia is a forward - which might solve that problem. It all depends if they can be persuaded.

Mastantuono is highly regarded and would be quite a coup for a club like Fulham. Though if we're looking on the bright side Como in Serie A have just permanently signed Nico Paz (another Real Madrid Argentinian prodigy) after his stint at the club last season, so not impossible.

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/revealed-fulham-raid-real-madrid-101948301.html

My hope (and I won't hold my breath) is that Fulham supporters award Arbeloa the same level of patience that Bournemouth supporters awarded to Iraola, if you're not aware he started at Bournemouth with one win in Ten !!!
And look how that turned out.

Quote from: C Block on July 08, 2026, 02:52:21 PMMy hope (and I won't hold my breath) is that Fulham supporters award Arbeloa the same level of patience that Bournemouth supporters awarded to Iraola, if you're not aware he started at Bournemouth with one win in Ten !!!
And look how that turned out.

Agree with your post, sure, things turned out favorable.  My primary hope is that new coach can add/build team to a position where relegation is not an issue or concern.  Would really not like to see a drop.  Patience notwithstanding.......

Quote from: C Block on July 08, 2026, 02:52:21 PMMy hope (and I won't hold my breath) is that Fulham supporters award Arbeloa the same level of patience that Bournemouth supporters awarded to Iraola, if you're not aware he started at Bournemouth with one win in Ten !!!
And look how that turned out.

I'm sure they will if there is a substance to his style of play. If not you can never underestimate the knowledge of a football supporter when it comes to knowing their onions whether that's half a dozen or a bakers dozen of games.

Quote from: WindyCity on July 08, 2026, 02:58:03 PMnew coach can add/build team to a position where relegation is not an issue

Well we've had that the last 3 seasons and fans have clamoured for more. There's no pleasing some.
Me, I like the appointment, i don't mind the gamble, I'd just love us to win something, anything.

 

Quote from: C Block on July 08, 2026, 02:52:21 PMMy hope (and I won't hold my breath) is that Fulham supporters award Arbeloa the same level of patience that Bournemouth supporters awarded to Iraola, if you're not aware he started at Bournemouth with one win in Ten !!!
And look how that turned out.

Yes, good point.

He's coming into the job with no management experience of the PL or English football (though he has played here) and little management experience at Spanish senior League level either.

We've got to be patient or else it'll be Parker by Christmas ! 😱

Quote from: JimmyConway on July 08, 2026, 03:06:22 PM

Quote from: C Block on July 08, 2026, 02:52:21 PMMy hope (and I won't hold my breath) is that Fulham supporters award Arbeloa the same level of patience that Bournemouth supporters awarded to Iraola, if you're not aware he started at Bournemouth with one win in Ten !!!
And look how that turned out.

I'm sure they will if there is a substance to his style of play. If not you can never underestimate the knowledge of a football supporter when it comes to knowing their onions whether that's half a dozen or a bakers dozen of games.

As long as we get the occasional "score" we will be satisfied!

As long as our football is entertaining and exciting I will be patient. Hopefully the results will follow.

Hopefully, with a tough set of opening fixtures, he'll be given a fair crack and that fans will recognise that, without Raul and Wilson, we are probably going to be about the fifth weakest team in the division without some serious transfer activity. I'm encouraged by his reputed desire to play a high intensity, pressing game with more vertical passing. We don't have the midfield for that, bar Lukic possibly,but Arbeloa will presumably have a say in transfers.

Quote from: Fulham 1879 on July 08, 2026, 04:26:53 PMHopefully, with a tough set of opening fixtures, he'll be given a fair crack and that fans will recognise that, without Raul and Wilson, we are probably going to be about the fifth weakest team in the division without some serious transfer activity. I'm encouraged by his reputed desire to play a high intensity, pressing game with more vertical passing. We don't have the midfield for that, bar Lukic possibly,but Arbeloa will presumably have a say in transfers.

His style should suit Lukic perfectly and would have suited AP too. He likes to press a lot and that's Lukic's strength. Sander will have to adapt to that more than other midfielders or Arbeloa will have to adapt his style to suit Berge more.

Quote from: SerbianLad on July 08, 2026, 04:52:03 PM

Quote from: Fulham 1879 on July 08, 2026, 04:26:53 PMHopefully, with a tough set of opening fixtures, he'll be given a fair crack and that fans will recognise that, without Raul and Wilson, we are probably going to be about the fifth weakest team in the division without some serious transfer activity. I'm encouraged by his reputed desire to play a high intensity, pressing game with more vertical passing. We don't have the midfield for that, bar Lukic possibly,but Arbeloa will presumably have a say in transfers.

His style should suit Lukic perfectly and would have suited AP too. He likes to press a lot and that's Lukic's strength. Sander will have to adapt to that more than other midfielders or Arbeloa will have to adapt his style to suit Berge more.

If Arbeloa as you say strength is to play the press why on earth would he need to adapt to Berge style of play? Would that not show a weakness in his philosophy?

Interested to know what discussions he had with TK and club management about transfers and budget.  If he says he wants to bring a trio and very expensive players with him . . . was that already baked into his agreement to come here?

Quote from: JimmyConway on July 08, 2026, 06:28:26 PM

Quote from: SerbianLad on July 08, 2026, 04:52:03 PM

Quote from: Fulham 1879 on July 08, 2026, 04:26:53 PMHopefully, with a tough set of opening fixtures, he'll be given a fair crack and that fans will recognise that, without Raul and Wilson, we are probably going to be about the fifth weakest team in the division without some serious transfer activity. I'm encouraged by his reputed desire to play a high intensity, pressing game with more vertical passing. We don't have the midfield for that, bar Lukic possibly,but Arbeloa will presumably have a say in transfers.

His style should suit Lukic perfectly and would have suited AP too. He likes to press a lot and that's Lukic's strength. Sander will have to adapt to that more than other midfielders or Arbeloa will have to adapt his style to suit Berge more.

If Arbeloa as you say strength is to play the press why on earth would he need to adapt to Berge style of play? Would that not show a weakness in his philosophy?

You should never be completely rigid in your ways. It's what ultimately cost Postecoglou and Amorim their jobs. They wanted to play the exact style they used at their previous clubs, and it didn't suit their players. Luis Enrique for example altered his playstyle slightly and his PSG side plays differently than his Barcelona style.

You always have three options, either a player not suited to the style coaches want to play is able to adapt to the style coach wants to play, the coach adapts his stlye to suit the player or the third and final option, coach sells that player and buys a player that is more suited for his style of play.

All we need now is a DOF who understands football lives in this country and comes to our matches, Alan Pardew for me.

Quote from: Yamus on July 08, 2026, 07:02:43 PMAll we need now is a DOF who understands football lives in this country and comes to our matches, Alan Pardew for me.

Do you really think that after being here for over 15 years that TK doesn't know anything about football.

Quote from: alfie on July 08, 2026, 07:05:02 PM

Quote from: Yamus on July 08, 2026, 07:02:43 PMAll we need now is a DOF who understands football lives in this country and comes to our matches, Alan Pardew for me.

Do you really think that after being here for over 15 years that TK doesn't know anything about football.

Why not? Ive been here since 2012 and I havent got a clue about the game ::beer::

Quote from: alfie on July 08, 2026, 07:05:02 PM

Quote from: Yamus on July 08, 2026, 07:02:43 PMAll we need now is a DOF who understands football lives in this country and comes to our matches, Alan Pardew for me.

Do you really think that after being here for over 15 years that TK doesn't know anything about football.

He didn't start well when he got in Magath...

Quote from: Deuce on July 08, 2026, 07:35:36 PM

Quote from: alfie on July 08, 2026, 07:05:02 PM

Quote from: Yamus on July 08, 2026, 07:02:43 PMAll we need now is a DOF who understands football lives in this country and comes to our matches, Alan Pardew for me.

Do you really think that after being here for over 15 years that TK doesn't know anything about football.

Why not? Ive been here since 2012 and I havent got a clue about the game ::beer::

To be fair, I've been watching football for close to 30 years and I am still no closer to understand what constitutes a foul 🤣

Quote from: alfie on July 08, 2026, 07:05:02 PM

Quote from: Yamus on July 08, 2026, 07:02:43 PMAll we need now is a DOF who understands football lives in this country and comes to our matches, Alan Pardew for me.

Do you really think that after being here for over 15 years that TK doesn't know anything about football.

Not enough to hold the position of DOF. We all know enough about football but I doubt there's anyone on here that has the skill set to be DOF at Fulham. Apologies if I've misjudged the audience.

I don't think that he's not that interested to be honest and that he does just enough to keep his father happy

Quote from: JimmyConway on July 08, 2026, 06:28:26 PM

Quote from: SerbianLad on July 08, 2026, 04:52:03 PM

Quote from: Fulham 1879 on July 08, 2026, 04:26:53 PMHopefully, with a tough set of opening fixtures, he'll be given a fair crack and that fans will recognise that, without Raul and Wilson, we are probably going to be about the fifth weakest team in the division without some serious transfer activity. I'm encouraged by his reputed desire to play a high intensity, pressing game with more vertical passing. We don't have the midfield for that, bar Lukic possibly,but Arbeloa will presumably have a say in transfers.

His style should suit Lukic perfectly and would have suited AP too. He likes to press a lot and that's Lukic's strength. Sander will have to adapt to that more than other midfielders or Arbeloa will have to adapt his style to suit Berge more.

If Arbeloa as you say strength is to play the press why on earth would he need to adapt to Berge style of play? Would that not show a weakness in his philosophy?

Exactly! Change Berge out if he does not fit

Quote from: KentFulham on July 08, 2026, 08:30:23 AMI for one am looking forward to this one. I really hope he mixes the system up and brings in some new players. We were board to death by Parkerball, Silva brought us Parkerball v2. I want something exciting to watch please

And no Leno standing on the ball in the first few minutes of a game!

Could he be the next Jean Tigana,Yes please

sometimes things look right for instance when micky adams took over, first game we started with him we could all see the difference and I confidently predicted we would go up the next season, the same with macdonald...they were a breath of fresh air.

Silva was also obviously going to be be top class from day one but usually it isn't like that. Circumstances can work against a manager especially if the squad isn't properly assembled. What I do hope is that we quickly see a positive direction of travel and that even if results do not start well we at least can see some method.

I have read in other places lots of good stuff about the new man but Fulham is and has always been an odd place, not like anywhere else, so let us hope he fits in and is a phenomenal success!

Quote from: Andrew on July 09, 2026, 09:24:44 AMsometimes things look right for instance when micky adams took over, first game we started with him we could all see the difference and I confidently predicted we would go up the next season, the same with macdonald...they were a breath of fresh air.

Silva was also obviously going to be be top class from day one but usually it isn't like that. Circumstances can work against a manager especially if the squad isn't properly assembled. What I do hope is that we quickly see a positive direction of travel and that even if results do not start well we at least can see some method.

I have read in other places lots of good stuff about the new man but Fulham is and has always been an odd place, not like anywhere else, so let us hope he fits in and is a phenomenal success!

Good news is he should get a full pre-season with the current squad.

Let's hope the transfer targets come in earlier than previous years and we can help them bed in.

Great to see positive comments and i think the same.
Welcome Alvero to FFC.

Also I would hope AA doesnt take the same approach as Silva in terms of new signings taking weeks to make any appearance.

Quote from: Yamus on July 09, 2026, 08:20:59 AMCould he be the next Jean Tigana,Yes please

Or the next Lawrie Sanchez

Quote from: Deuce on July 09, 2026, 11:54:36 AM

Quote from: Yamus on July 09, 2026, 08:20:59 AMCould he be the next Jean Tigana,Yes please

Or the next Lawrie Sanchez

Or Magath...

It's an ambitious appointment and I really hope he does well, but more than anything, I hope the club are committed to giving him time.

I don't think the changes will be limited to the 1st team, with Arbeloa bringing in young Spanish talent. If he's genuinely invested in youth development and giving young players opportunities, then it's likely he'll begin to change the culture of the club from within. That could mean reshaping the kind of players the youth sides recruit, as well as the style of football they are expected to play.

That's why the club need to fully buy into his vision. If this is meant to be a long term project, then they have to accept that it might come with short term pain, whether that's a relegation battle(maybe even relegation), very low bottom-half finishes, or results that take time to improve. In the long run, that could still be more beneficial than constantly chopping and changing just to survive.

Because if things start poorly and the club panic by sacking him early, they could leave themselves in a really sticky situation. You could have youth players promoted to the first team, only to be sent back down a few months later and have their development disrupted. Players could be signed specifically for his project, only to be left without the manager they joined for. At that point, some of them could already be looking for a way out after only a few months.

Ultimately, the club need to decide what they actually want to be. Either they are committed to changing the long term future of the club, even if that comes with risk, or they are happy being a steady mid-table side that relies on experienced coaches and experienced players to keep things ticking over.

You can't appoint a project manager and then lose your nerve early doors.

Well that elation was short lived

Didn't want to start a new thread for this so this seems like the best place to put this. Rutzler reporting that Hugo Oliveira is the leading candidate to replace Gary O'Neil at Strasbourg and that he had been "in contention" for the Fulham job.
https://x.com/peterrutzler/status/2075393697534087218?s=20

Quote from: LittleErn on July 08, 2026, 04:25:55 PMAs long as our football is entertaining and exciting I will be patient. Hopefully the results will follow.

As long as our football produces results, I will be patient and hopeful our football is entertaining and exciting.

Quote from: Bassey the warrior on July 08, 2026, 11:30:10 AMWelcome Alvaro. An exciting appointment but also a risky one. Let's hope he does what's promised, integrating more academy players and improving the attack. Whilst keeping things tight at the back of course.

We'll need to give him time, it took 10 games for Iraola to get his first Bournemouth win.

Glad to see I inspired a few others to make the Iraola comparison after my post.

Above all else, I hope our new coach encourages, implores, insists that the lads shoot the ball more frequently, whether close in on tough angles or from distance, just have a go....Please!!!!

Example 1:  Bobb has looked good in his WC shows.  Against England, very early in his appearance he had found himself in the box, close in, and chose to try a pass through multiple defenders to get the ball to the ponytail, which obviously failed.  Looked like he was afraid to take the shot, and felt obligated to defer to ponytail.  I just felt he should have taken the shot, maybe he scores, maybe there is a deflection, maybe spillage.  But take the shot!

Example 2:  Taking shots from distance.  FFC needs to do more of this.  This WC is good reference point.  Two teams advanced on late goals scored from keeper spillage on shots from distance, Spain and England.  Take those shots, sometimes you actually score, sometimes a deflection, sometimes spillage.  But take the shot!

Has anyone seen him yet?

Quote from: sunburywhite on July 13, 2026, 07:17:05 PMHas anyone seen him yet?

It was mentioned previously that he was being allowed to finish a pre planned holiday that meant he may be returning a few days late.

Quote from: WindyCity on July 12, 2026, 03:30:52 PMAbove all else, I hope our new coach encourages, implores, insists that the lads shoot the ball more frequently, whether close in on tough angles or from distance, just have a go....Please!!!!

Example 1:  Bobb has looked good in his WC shows.  Against England, very early in his appearance he had found himself in the box, close in, and chose to try a pass through multiple defenders to get the ball to the ponytail, which obviously failed.  Looked like he was afraid to take the shot, and felt obligated to defer to ponytail.  I just felt he should have taken the shot, maybe he scores, maybe there is a deflection, maybe spillage.  But take the shot!

Example 2:  Taking shots from distance.  FFC needs to do more of this.  This WC is good reference point.  Two teams advanced on late goals scored from keeper spillage on shots from distance, Spain and England.  Take those shots, sometimes you actually score, sometimes a deflection, sometimes spillage.  But take the shot!

I agree we should shoot from long range more, but worth remembering we were the 5th best scorers from long range last season, Only West ham, Villa, Bournmouth and Forest scored more

Quote from: Bronaldinho on July 09, 2026, 10:11:42 AM

Quote from: Andrew on July 09, 2026, 09:24:44 AMsometimes things look right for instance when micky adams took over, first game we started with him we could all see the difference and I confidently predicted we would go up the next season, the same with macdonald...they were a breath of fresh air.

Silva was also obviously going to be be top class from day one but usually it isn't like that. Circumstances can work against a manager especially if the squad isn't properly assembled. What I do hope is that we quickly see a positive direction of travel and that even if results do not start well we at least can see some method.

I have read in other places lots of good stuff about the new man but Fulham is and has always been an odd place, not like anywhere else, so let us hope he fits in and is a phenomenal success!

Good news is he should get a full pre-season with the current squad.

Let's hope the transfer targets come in earlier than previous years and we can help them bed in.

Hopefully Silva mentioned that the ridiculously slow transfers, were one of the reasons he decided to leave.

A week later and still no words or interview from him.

He is here! He posted a story on his own Instagram with his team today at motspur saying first day done  :Khan_you_fix_it:

Not sure where fulhams media team is but arbeloa does exist !

If someone can post that picture here( i don't know how) that would be great  ::scarf::

Is he the Scarlet Pimpernel

They seek him here, they seek him there/
Those FoFers seek him everywhere/
Is he at Motspur or the Stevenage Road/
That damned elusive Arbeloa

I'll get my coat!

Quote from: Sammyffc on July 13, 2026, 11:01:50 PMHe is here! He posted a story on his own Instagram with his team today at motspur saying first day done  :Khan_you_fix_it:

Not sure where fulhams media team is but arbeloa does exist !

If someone can post that picture here( i don't know how) that would be great  ::scarf::

Seven people in that photo.
Not to mention the many others already at the club!

Head Coach.
Assistant Head Coach
GK Coach
Performance/Fitness Coach
Analyst ?
Defensive Coach?
What else?

Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on July 14, 2026, 09:21:55 AMSeven people in that photo.
Not to mention the many others already at the club!

Head Coach.
Assistant Head Coach
GK Coach
Performance/Fitness Coach
Analyst ?
Defensive Coach?
What else?

Beard Stylist?

Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on July 14, 2026, 09:21:55 AMSeven people in that photo.
Not to mention the many others already at the club!

Head Coach.
Assistant Head Coach
GK Coach
Performance/Fitness Coach
Analyst ?
Defensive Coach?
What else?

Tea gentleman. Shock news Hilda's been sacked after a 102 years loyal service with only a tea bag as a parting gift (Last used by Alex Stock in 1075).

Quote from: KentFulham on July 13, 2026, 08:41:12 PM

Quote from: WindyCity on July 12, 2026, 03:30:52 PMAbove all else, I hope our new coach encourages, implores, insists that the lads shoot the ball more frequently, whether close in on tough angles or from distance, just have a go....Please!!!!

Example 1:  Bobb has looked good in his WC shows.  Against England, very early in his appearance he had found himself in the box, close in, and chose to try a pass through multiple defenders to get the ball to the ponytail, which obviously failed.  Looked like he was afraid to take the shot, and felt obligated to defer to ponytail.  I just felt he should have taken the shot, maybe he scores, maybe there is a deflection, maybe spillage.  But take the shot!

Example 2:  Taking shots from distance.  FFC needs to do more of this.  This WC is good reference point.  Two teams advanced on late goals scored from keeper spillage on shots from distance, Spain and England.  Take those shots, sometimes you actually score, sometimes a deflection, sometimes spillage.  But take the shot!

I agree we should shoot from long range more, but worth remembering we were the 5th best scorers from long range last season, Only West ham, Villa, Bournmouth and Forest scored more

Thx for pointing out the stats, but the eye test remains my guide on this matter.  Not sure how those stats were assembled, though I have to believe FFC would be low in the rankings for attempted shots from distance, and for that matter, shots attempted of any kind.  I just didn't think FFC took many shots that were available to them over the past couple of seasons.  Many times entering the danger zone too many short, ticky tacky passes, trying to pass through multiple defenders, resulting in lost chances and not even a shot taken.  Firm believer in taking the shot and asking questions later.....

Quote from: I Ronic on July 14, 2026, 08:42:17 AMThey seek him here, they seek him there/
Those FoFers seek him everywhere/
Is he at Motspur or the Stevenage Road/
That damned elusive Arbeloa

I'll get my coat!

Early Only Fools & Horses classic!
 :slap: