Monday Fulham Stuff - 15/06/26...

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Next Fulham manager: Alvaro Arbeloa appointment 'almost done' after Cottagers contact two ex-Tottenham bosses
Fulham are reportedly on the verge of appointing former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa as their new manager after speaking to multiple candidates.

The Cottagers are currently without a manager after Marco Silva decided against signing a new contract.

The 48-year-old called time on his five-year tenure at Craven Cottage to take over the reins at Portuguese giants Benfica.

The Benfica vacancy became available after Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid for a second spell as manager following Arbeloa's exit.

Arbeloa, who is keen to get straight back into management, has since emerged as a frontrunner to take the top job at Craven Cottage.

Fulham on verge of Arbeloa appointment
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Fulham are now on the verge of confirming Arbeloa's appointment following positive talks.

While the deal is 'almost done', Arbeloa has been far from the only candidate considered for the vacant position.

The update claims that the Cottagers have spoken to a number of alternative options, including former Tottenham Hotspur managers Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank.

Postecoglou is searching for his first managerial job since being sacked by Nottingham Forest in October 2025, while Frank is not ready to return to management following his dismissal as Spurs boss in February.

The west London club also made contact with Coventry City boss Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna, who recently left his position as Ipswich Town head coach.

Fulham have also been linked with ex-Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira, the latter of whom is reluctant to leave his position midway through the Brazilian season.

Amorim has ruled himself out of the running amid significant speculation linking him with AC Milan.

Is Arbeloa the right man to lead Fulham?
There will be some scepticism over Arbeloa's imminent appointment following his tough stint as Real Madrid boss.

In January, Arbeloa stepped up from his role as Castilla boss to take over the reins of the senior side following Xabi Alonso's departure.

Under Arbeloa's watch, Real Madrid suffered a surprise Copa del Rey defeat to second-tier Albacete, fell at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League and finished a distant second to Barcelona in the title race.

Arbeloa's time in charge was also shrouded by disharmony in the dressing room, including a well-publicised altercation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.

That said, Arbeloa only takes a relatively small portion of the blame for the poor dressing-room culture and Real Madrid's failure to win silverware.

The 43-year-old would have learnt from that difficult experience and will benefit from managing a club that does not generate as much media attention as Real Madrid.

Arbeloa will also get a better chance to implement his ideas at Fulham, where he will likely give youth a chance after showing a willingness to trust emerging talents in his time as Real Madrid boss, something that comes from working as a coach in the Spanish giants' youth system.

The Spaniard may have big shoes to fill at Craven Cottage, but the challenge will not daunt him, and it could be a risky appointment that ultimately pays off for the Cottagers.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/arbeloa-to-fulham-almost-done-following-contact-with-two-ex-spurs-managers_599142.html

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World Cup 2026: Issa's Morocco draw with Brazil
Issa Diop made his first appearance at a World Cup as Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opening game.

Our centre back played the full 90 minutes in what was his fifth cap for the Atlas Lions.

The seventh-ranked team made a great start at the New York New Jersey Stadium, and took an early lead through Ismael Saibari after dominating the opening stages.

But Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior found an equaliser for Brazil just after the half hour mark, to protect their 92-year record of not losing an opening World Cup match.

Next up, Morocco will face Scotland – who secured a 1-0 victory over Haiti last night – on Friday 19th June (11pm UK).



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/june/14/world-cup-2026-issa-brazil/

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Fabrizio Romano: Fulham "very close" to agreement with 43 y/o manager who wants to join
Former Fulham head coach Marco Silva has agreed a two-year contract to take over from the departing Jose Mourinho at Benfica, and the Cottagers are ramping up their search for a replacement.

Mourinho will return to the Real Madrid for a second time having won La Liga and the Copa del Rey between 2010 and 2013, and reports this week have suggested something of a manager merry-go-round.

McKenna no longer an option to become Fulham manager
Kieran McKenna has announced he is stepping down as Ipswich boss to take a break from football just weeks after guiding the club back to the Premier League.

McKenna, 40, has been strongly linked with the vacant Fulham job in recent days, but the Northern Irishman said he was leaving the Tractor Boys in order to take a break from football and spend time with his family.

In a statement on Ipswich's website, McKenna said: "It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club.

"When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye.

"However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside."

"After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far."

Fulham manager latest: Arbeloa deal "very close"
Former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa is now in talks with Fulham to succeed Silva and Fabrizio Romano has shared the latest on their pursuit of the 43 year-old in his latest YouTube video.

Romano revealed that the former Liverpool and Madrid full-back wants to return to work immediately instead of taking a break after his departure from the Spanish capital.

Arbeloa took over first-team duties at Madrid when Xabi Alonso was sacked in January after only six months in charge, but was unable to change their fortunes, falling short in the title race against Barcelona and being knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.

"Alvaro Arbeloa is in advanced negotiations to become the new head coach at Fulham.

"Fulham owner Tony Khan was checking on different candidates to become the new coach.

"And so Mourinho to Real Madrid, Marco Silva to Benfica, and now the possibility of Alvaro Arbeloa becoming the new head coach of Fulham.

"Negotiations are very advanced, it's very close, Arbeloa has opened doors to this possibility, Arbeloa wants to restart immediately.

"Arbeloa is keen on this possibility and the option to become Fulham manager is exciting him."

https://www.footballfancast.com/fabrizio-romano-fulham-very-close-alvaro-arbeloa-manager-update/

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Fulham close in on new head coach amid Frank Lampard contact claim
Coventry City news from CoventryLive as Frank Lampard appears to be ruled out of a move to Fulham

Fulham are reported to be close to completing the appointment of a new manager following the departure of Marco Silva amid claims that the Premier League club "spoke" to Frank Lampard.

The Cottagers are widely reported to have stepped up their move for a new head coach by entering advanced negotiations with former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa. The Spaniard has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Silva.

According to GiveMeSport 's Ben Jacobs, Arbeloa's move to Fulham is "now almost done."

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano also reports: "Álvaro Arbeloa, completing final details of the agreement to sign in as new Fulham head coach."

Jacobs added on social media that Fulham "also spoke to Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna and Frank Lampard."

Other potential targets included Ruben Amorim, who it is claimed has ruled himself out and is the leading contender for Milan, while Abel Ferreira has decided to stay at Palmeiras, telling Fulham he won't leave mid-season.

Lampard had previously been linked with interest from Crystal Palace who are close to appointing Lens boss Pierre Sage.

The Sky Blues boss is currently out in the United States where he's combining World Cup media duties on Gary Lineker's The Rest if Football podcast broadcast on Netflix with scouting potential new signings from the competition.



https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/frank-lampard-fulham-coventry-city-34119027

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Alvaro Arbeloa on the cusp of joining Fulham as talks advance
Former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa looks set to become the new Fulham manager ahead of next season.

Fulham are in advanced talks with former Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa to become their new manager, according to an update by reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Meanwhile, a report from the BBC has confirmed that the Cottagers are negotiating with the former Real Madrid boss to replace Marco Silva, who has decided to leave the Premier League club. The Portuguese manager is set to take charge of Benfica following Jose Mourinho's move to Los Blancos.

During his five-year stint at Craven Cottage, Silva helped Fulham secure promotion to the top flight and establish themselves as a mid-table club. The Cottagers have been defensively solid and tactically flexible under his management. However, the Portuguese tactician has opted to end his time at the club, with his contract running out. The 48-year-old has penned a two-year deal at Benfica, beginning next month.

Fulham confident about having Arbeloa on their bench next season
Fulham recently identified Arbeloa as their leading candidate for the vacancy. The West Londoners have been searching for a replacement for some time, and the 43-year-old has emerged as the preferred option. They are in advanced talks with the former Real Madrid boss, who was recently relieved of his duties after failing to win a trophy during his interim spell.

Arbeloa took charge of Real Madrid mid-way through last season on an interim basis following the sacking of new Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso. While Real Madrid have decided to part ways with him, Arbeloa did not fare poorly, given it was his first-ever managerial job at the highest level. He showed considerable promise as a manager, with a strong track record at the youth level.

Talks are ongoing, and personal terms remain unconfirmed, though the Cottagers are optimistic about reaching an agreement with the Spanish tactician. Arbeloa's managerial style emphasises tactical discipline and strong man management. His teams tend to press high and prioritise vertical passes. Given his approach, he could build on the defensive and tactical foundations that Silva established at Craven Cottage.



https://thehardtackle.com/news/2026/06/14/alvaro-arbeloa-on-the-cusp-of-joining-fulham-as-talks-advance/

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Arbeloa, Mourinho, Silva trading places - with agent key to swaps
Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid. Marco Silva to Benfica. Alvaro Arbeloa to Fulham?

It may be one of the more unlikely managerial triangles but it looks set to be completed with Arbeloa nearing a move to west London.

But how did it come about? It began, as it so often does, at the top of the chain.

Recently re-elected Real Madrid president Florentino Perez decided to bring Jose Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu from Benfica.

That left Benfica searching for a manager and interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa without a role.

Marco Silva's future had already been in doubt after being shortlisted by Chelsea. As a host of managerial vacancies opened up across Europe, he subsequently emerged as the primary target for the Portuguese club.

Benfica secured their man despite Fulham offering a record contract to keep their manager of five years, with super-agent Jorge Mendes brokering deals for both moves.

That leaves Arbeloa.

Represented by Best of You agent Oscar Ribot, the former Liverpool defender is now in advanced talks to join the Cottagers.

It highlights how Mendes, 60, has become a specialist in high-profile managerial appointments.

The Portuguese has also been involved in Enzo Maresca's imminent move to Manchester City, while also working with Vitor Pereira, Unai Emery and Nuno Espirito Santo in the Premier League and Championship.

This week another Mendes client was in the news. Cesar Peixoto, manager of Gil Vicente in Portugal, is set to take over from Rob Edwards as Wolves manager. Mendes' Gestifute agency has a close relationship with the Molineux club's owners Fosun.

More broadly, 10 Premier League clubs will begin next season with new managers, or managers appointed towards the end of last season (Bournemouth, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Ipswich, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham) demonstrating a chaotic period in the top flight.

Side plot: Arbeloa faces Alonso
Arbeloa is best known in England for his impressive two-year spell at Liverpool as a player before returning to Real Madrid for a seven-year stint and ending his career with a single season at West Ham.

He earned 56 caps for Spain and was part of arguably the greatest team in their history, which won two European Championships and the World Cup in consecutive tournaments between 2008 and 2012.

Alonso and Arbeloa played together for seven consecutive years at club level and even longer with the national team.

Mourinho signed the pair from Liverpool in the same summer both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka joined Real to help them compete with a dominant Barcelona side managed by Pep Guardiola.

Such was the closeness of the two that they went on holiday and spent time together away from the pitch. One well-placed source in Spain said that one replacing the other in January was initially awkward.

Alonso had struggled to convince dressing-room stars such as Kylian Mbappe to adapt to his modern style of management, involving high pressing and possession-based football, at Madrid.

Arbeloa, who began his coaching career at under-14s level, was promoted to steady the ship after six months leading Castilla, Real Madrid's reserve team, who play in the third tier of Spanish football.

Madrid's season ended with a second-place finish in the domestic league and elimination from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Now Alonso and Arbeloa are set to be neighbouring managers in their first seasons in the Premier League - Alonso at Chelsea and Arbeloa at Fulham, with just over a mile separating Stamford Bridge and Craven Cottage. It feels as though their careers are intertwined.

What can we learn from Arbeloa's time at Madrid?
By the time Arbeloa was promoted from Real Madrid Castilla - sitting fourth in their Primera RFEF group at the time - he had created a football identity of teams with personality and wanting to dominate.

Yet at the first team, he says he couldn't simply be himself.

As he put it: "I had to be the manager I had to be."

So his time as first-team manager at Real Madrid may be no real reference for Fulham.

At Castilla, his side was built around what he calls offensive joy - possession and pressing without the ball were the two pillars.

Arbeloa was always willing to go more direct when a match demanded it.

On paper it was a 4-3-3; in practice, one midfielder pushed on almost as a number 10, shifting the shape into a 4-2-3-1 with a clear reference point up front, and wide areas mattered enormously.

Something was non-negotiable - intensity. Arbeloa's defensive model is built on relentless pressing - this was not a team that wanted to sit back and defend its own box, whatever else changes around it.

Much of that thinking has roots in the dressing rooms he played in.

At Liverpool, Rafa Benitez left him with the example of a coach obsessed with improving individual players, constantly talking to them, constantly correcting.

Back at Real Madrid from 2009, Manuel Pellegrini showed him a coach who loved pace in the game, with the wings left free to exploit it.

From Mourinho, who took charge at the Bernabeu during his playing days there, Arbeloa points to the way he led and demanded maximum effort every day, a meticulously prepared coach whose training was built entirely around his model of play.

Carlo Ancelotti and Vicente del Bosque, the latter from his time with Spain, taught him something different again - that tactics alone aren't enough.

As Arbeloa sees it, a coach who can't manage the group is "doomed to fail" - however sharp his ideas on the pitch.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c7vydyv472go