Saturday Fulham Stuff - 12/09/26...

[WhiteJC]

Alvaro Arbeloa has been 'set up to fail' at Fulham after Marco Silva claim
Alvaro Arbeloa may have been handed an "impossible" job at Fulham amid calls for his head after just three Premier League games.

The Spaniard has yet to pick up his first league win at Craven Cottage, having lost all three games so far, including a 3-2 defeat at home to Crystal Palace last time out.

Frustrations have begun to grow amongst the fans, while there have also been suggestions of unhappiness in the dressing room, sparking fresh concerns for the boss.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Arbeloa has been "set up to fail" after the success Marco Silva enjoyed with the West London club.

Silva was very highly thought of at Fulham, not just by the fans but also by the players, and making changes to his way of operating was always bound to lead to conflict.

The Portuguse boss opted to leave Fulham at the end of last season, and while there is optimism that Arbeloa can turn things around, his job is becoming increasingly tough.

Could Alvaro Arbeloa be sacked by Fulham?
Brown warned Football Insider on 7 September that Arbeloa is "in trouble" at Fulham after a miserable start to the season and growing concerns behind the scenes.

There is a belief that the manager's lack of experience, despite landing the hot seat at Real Madrid in the latter stages of last season, mean he is still unproven at this level.

However, there is now a belief that Arbeloa is in a difficult position as he aims to build on what the hugely-popular Silva put together at Craven Cottage.

"Alvaro Arbeloa has been thown in at the deep end at Fulham, really," Brown told Football Insider.

"Marco Silva did a wonderful job there and raised the standard, so for any manager coming in, it was going to be tricky to match up to what he was doing.

"It can be hard taking over at a new club, with new ideas, when the previous manager was so well-liked not just by the fans but by the players as well.

"You go in, try to get your ideas across, try to change the way of playing and you have yout own methods in training, but people are missing what the old manager used to do.

"I've seen it happen many times before and it's a very difficult situation to get out of, because certain players and fans are used to how things used to be.

"It's very difficult to change opinions in football, sometimes it has to be done within the first couple of weeks otherwise questions start to be asked.

"So in that respect, Arbeloa has been set up to fail at Fulham, and it would have been difficult for any manager going in after Silva. It's almost an impossible task."

What's next for Fulham if Arbeloa is sacked?
Should results continue on their current trend at Fulham, they could be forced into a change in manager, but Arbeloa's impact could cause further problems in West London.

In their attempts to back the manager during the transfer window, Fulham brought in players at his request, notably Cesar Palacios and Gonzalo Garcia.

Brown warned Football Insider on 8 September that Arbeloa's new signings could already look to leave the club if the manager is dismissed in the coming weeks.

Should the manager be dismissed in the coming weeks, it will call into question the Spaniards' futures at Craven Cottage, with Palacios and Gonzalez having joined for Arbeloa.

While Fulham are keen not to rush into any decisions, and hope the manager will be able to turn around the slow start, concerns are now beginning to grow.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/fulham/alvaro-arbeloa-has-been-set-up-to-fail-at-fulham-after-marco-silva-claim

[WhiteJC]

Five things to look out for as Fulham travel to Anfield
The Whites need this fixture like a hole in the head.

This week bought a strange feeling that we as Fulham fans haven't felt in years: turbulence.

A humiliating defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace, where the Whites threw away two leads and conceded three goals to two left-backs, left the veil of the Arbeloa fantasy in tatters (for now!).

Reports of Kenny Tete, Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi and Kevin being disgruntled built the foundations for a media pile on as BBC Sport and countless others began to question squad harmony, tactics and whether Arbeloa had underestimated the physicality of the Premier League.

I can tell you first hand there are not many feelings worse than landing from a nine-hour flight to watch your team capitulate as you wait an hour for your battered luggage, then all available train lines into London simultaneously go down.

Palace felt like a huge missed opportunity. A naive showing and weak execution all over the pitch. The decision from Fulham to hire Arbeloa felt boom or bust at the time, but this weekend even the Spaniard's staunchest supporters started to turn against him. "Arbeloa out" comments littered both Twitter and Reddit this weekend. After years of stability, this change feels massive.

As we look forward to this weekend, the fixtures don't get any easier, traveling to Anfield to take on Liverpool. The Reds are a handful of games into their own new era, and things look like they are slowly coming together with impressive wins against Ipswich and Atletico Madrid.

Like Fulham, Liverpool underwent a managerial change this summer, moving on from Arne Slot. And they're undergoing a stylistic change, focusing on a higher intensity brand of football and increased use of wide players. That transition is particularly marked after the departure of Mo Salah and arrival of Bradley Barcola.

So, ahead of our trip to Merseyside, here are five things to look out for:

1. The Fulham squad
OK, a weird headline, but after the reports of unrest in the squad throughout the week, and the crystal clear weaknesses exposed in our XI last weekend, there should be some changes.

Kenny Tete cycled away from the Cottage reportedly lamenting Arbeloa for his lack of game time and a collapsed move to Everton. ESR and Iwobi have both cleaned their Instagram feeds of Fulham-related content, while Kevin posted a cryptic story on his own Instagram. I know, it all feels very Gen-Z.

Arbeloa is in a difficult position; the squad certainly needed an overhaul of younger players, demonstrated by no signings over 25 years old. But, putting so many eggs in the Real Madrid basket could have upset the apple cart of the Fulham squad (if you'll excuse my mixed metaphors). If there are some changes in the squad this weekend, particularly if it involves those players, it really could be a signal that there is a dressing room divided.

2. Fulham's left side
There has been some attacking dynamism to Fulham this season, particularly on the right-hand side. Oscar Bobb and Castagne have found some rhythm and created several chances against Palace, notably with Chestnuts missing from close range after good work from Bobb. The Norwegian has carried on his momentum from the World Cup and looks dangerous. Their understanding has been notable, in particular when overlapping or driving each other inside - which has become a focal point in creating overloads in attack.

Conversely, the left side has struggled mightily as I've written about many times already this season. The chemistry isn't there, even with Josh King sliding out to the left and despite our second goal against Palace coming directly from King. Notably, Antonee Robinson had still yet to find his form. Just two years ago the American registered 10 assists but does look a step below that form, and his crossing has reverted to his first few years at the club. And still, Kevin is yet to play a full 90 for the Whites.

As Fulham seek something from Anfield their left will need to function.

3. Cody Gakpo and Liverpool's attacking balance
It seemed likely that a week ago we'd be talking about Cody Gakpo as a Manchester City player, but his £80m move fell through and they opted for another Merseysider instead. Even so, it looks like the Dutchman is being revitalised under Iraola. Against new boys Ipswich he registered two assists, with one being a sumptuous outside of the foot pass to Alexander Isak, splitting the defence wide open. In their opening games against Newcastle, his long distance strike opened the account for the season and he seems to be relishing his role in Liverpool's attack.

Gakpo, however, may see his impact lessened by the incoming Bradley Barcola. The Frenchman arrives from PSG and will bring an extra dimension to the Reds attack. As with any new manager, Liverpool have had their bumps, but against Atletico they found balance. Wirtz and Szoboszlai jumped up to support Isak, and he was finding pockets to hit bounce passes to the supporting cast. They created a lot against one of Europe's defensive stalwarts. Liverpool with their new-look fluid wingers look to have started to find a balance they lacked under Slot.

4. Fulhams defensive shape
Three games, seven goals conceded. Watching Fulham defend has been tough; there's been no balance, we've been over-exposed and we're seemingly playing in a style that lacks another centre-half. Our man Jack Collins put together this masterpiece explaining the flaws in Fulhams system. If you haven't already, I implore you to read it.

This weekend could see Fulham changing their shape, perhaps to a back five, in order to maintain some control and prevent overloads. Arbeloa has already spoken about David Affengruber's pace, and the Austrian has played extensively as a third centre-half. Perhaps the Spaniard may be contemplating a switch. Especially after club captain Joachim Andersen struggled against Palace, at the very least a change there could be considered.

Jack spoke about the balance not being there with the current formation, which had been clear to see throughout our opening games. And while throwing in extra defender seems like an easy solution to a bigger problem, it might be a quick fix for the weekend. Especially, as the defensive midfielders and centre halves have been woefully exposed by AWOL wide players.

5. Our physicality
It might be before your time - and it's certainly before mine - but Olivia Newton-John sang it best - "Let's get physical" - and it might be time Arbeloa's side does too.

In his BBC Sport column, Chris Sutton alluded to the boss underestimating the physicality of the Premier League - and that rings true to me. Both Sunderland and Palace found joy down the middle, and often down the flanks. The decision to leave out Sander Berge against the Eagles was an eye opener, especially for a manager looking to exert control.

I'm not going to fall into the trap of predicting Cesar Palacios to be benched (again), but I do think a stronger, quicker side will feature against Liverpool. I'd also like to see Shea Charles and Berge feature together at Anfield in a quest for our first points of the season.

COYW!



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/five-things-to-look-out-for-as-fulham-bf6

[WhiteJC]

Matchday Preview: Liverpool
Liverpool's early games this season were eventful to say the least, but they will have been frustrated to have taken only two points from meetings with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, drawing 2-2 in each fixture. The Reds will have been a lot happier with how they fared this past week, though, seeing off Ipswich Town 2-0 on Friday, before a come-from-behind victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Team news

🔴 Cody Gakpo is a doubt with a thigh injury, but Bradley Barcola should be fine after going off with cramp in midweek. Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are long-term injuries, but Joe Gomez could make a first appearance of the season having recovered from his muscle injury.

🤍 Tom Cairney is the only absentee for Fulham.

Tickets

This match is now off sale. There will be around 2,800 Fulham fans in the away end.

Kits

Both sides will be in their home kit on Saturday.

Weather

🌧 There is a chance of light rain at kick-off, but temperatures will still be as high as 20 degrees.

Supporter Liaison Officer

Our Supporter Liaison Officer James Herman will be available at the turnstiles two hours before kick-off, and again after the match. The SLO can be contacted on tickets@fulhamfc.com.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid. Overseas supporters can see who is showing the game in your region at this page.

Road closure

Liverpool City Council is carrying out a significant highways improvement scheme on Walton Breck Road that will impact travel to and from Anfield.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/11/matchday-preview-liverpool/

[WhiteJC]

Alvaro Arbeloa issues response after Fulham stars' cryptic social media messages
Cottagers are winless in league under new boss

Alvaro Arbeloa has issued a response after strange social media activity from three of his Fulham players.

Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe deleted all reference to the club on their personal pages, while winger Kevin posted a bizarre Instagram story following the defeat by Crystal Palace.

The Brazilian wrote: "No speak, no hear, no see", having been an unused substitute against the Eagles.

Smith Rowe was brought on with 10 minutes to go, while Iwobi started the match and was replaced by Rodrigo Muniz on 83 minutes.

The Nigerian had also started alongside Sander Berge in the 1-0 defeat by Sunderland, while Smith Rowe and Kevin were late changes once more at the Stadium of Light.

Before that, the pair were handed a rare start by Arbeloa in the 3-0 League Cup victory over AFC Wimbledon, but they were benched on the first day of the season in the 3-2 home defeat by neighbours Chelsea.

Smith Rowe was unused, while Kevin came on for debutant Cesar Palacios, who has been Arbeloa's preferred left-wing option, while Oscar Bobb has operated off the right.

Josh King has been the go-to No10, while Iwobi has started every league game.

Arbeloa, who took over the reins from Marco Silva earlier this summer, was asked about the players' social media activity ahead of his side's trip to Liverpool.

"I think you learn more about a group after a defeat than after a win, and they have worked with a very positive attitude this week," he said.

"When you're a player and you aren't playing, you can't be happy. I expect that feeling from my players that aren't playing. I want them to show me they aren't happy in our training sessions. That's the most important thing for me.

"I can see how hard they are working. I feel I have a very good group with a very good attitude."

The Cottagers remain winless in the league under their new manager this term, and they travel to West Ham in the third round of the Carabao Cup next week, before a home fixture against Manchester United the following weekend.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-arbeloa-responds-iwobi-kevin-smith-rowe-b1296588.html

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Liverpool Press Conference
Álvaro Arbeloa knows adjustments are needed if Fulham are to turn positive attacking performances into points.

There has been very little between the sides in each of our three Premier League games to date, yet despite no lack of intent going forward, the form guide unfortunately reads LLL.

"I think we are playing in a way that we create enough chances to win games, [but] we are not winning games, and both things are true," Arbeloa conceded in his pre-Liverpool press conference. "And I think the last one is what counts, that we are not winning games.

"But we know why we are not winning games and what we need to adjust. So, for us and for me, we have been working on that from the first day.

"When we have the ball, our first thought is not about what we are going to do to score, it's more what we are going to do when we lose the ball.

"We need to be ready to control the transition, and for me that is very clear, and that's the gap that we need to improve – control better the transition, and when we lose the ball, we need to be more compact and choose better when we are going to press high.

"But, yes, I think it's very clear. We have been working on it, and I'm sure that if we can adjust and control better the transition of our opponents, we will win games."

Not for the first time this season, Arbeloa will share a touchline with a familiar face on Saturday, having represented Spain alongside Andoni Iraola in their playing days.

"I played with Andoni in the national team, and obviously we faced each other many, many times in La Liga," he said. "I know him very, very well.

"I saw him when he was the coach of Mirandés, Rayo Vallecano, and after in Bournemouth, so I know that he's an amazing coach, and I'm not surprised that now he's the coach of Liverpool.

"He has been doing amazing work here in the Premier League, and now in Liverpool you can see they are playing in the style that he's always playing with his teams, and of course it will be so difficult for us tomorrow."

A slowish start to the season for Liverpool saw them drop points to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, but things seem to be clicking into place now after back-to-back wins over Ipswich Town and Atlético Madrid.

"You can see that they are improving, and they are now controlling better the games, and obviously I think they were a little bit unlucky in some games," Arbeloa said.

"I watched the game against Atlético de Madrid, against a very tough team in the Champions League, and they did a very good game.

"They are so aggressive, they press high, they want to control the game, and of course, they are so, so, so quick in front, and have players with a lot of quality – top, top players, and I think a top squad.

"They are a team that put a lot of crosses, too, so we have been working on how we can defend them, and also we will have our chances for sure.

"We score goals, and I know that we can score goals against any of the teams in the Premier League, and that's the thing that we are doing so well. We are creating so many chances when we have the ball, and we are also aggressive without the ball."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/11/pre-liverpool-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham dressing room mutiny forming as first managerial casualty of the Premier League season nears
Alvaro Arbeloa is staring down the barrel of a dressing room mutiny at Craven Cottage just weeks into the job

Fulham are facing the prospect of losing their opening four Premier League games of the new season this weekend, which would spell bad news for Alvaro Arbeloa.

The Spaniard is fast emerging as the frontrunner to become the Premier League's first managerial casualty of the new season.

A winless start to the campaign has plunged Fulham into crisis, leaving the former Real Madrid interim boss fighting to salvage both his authority and his job ahead of a weekend trip to face Liverpool.

Alvaro Arbeloa on the brink at Fulham
Having replaced Marco Silva over the summer, Arbeloa was heavily backed by the club's board during the transfer window.

The 43-year-old tapped directly into his former employer to reshape the squad, securing moves for Real Madrid trio Cesar Palacios, Gonzalo Garcia, and Manuel Angel.

However, due to Arbeloa's tactical tweaks and, on the surface at least, a clear preference for his ex-Bernabeu recruits, he has alienated established figures within the squad.

Alex Iwobi has found himself displaced from his natural wide role and redeployed into central midfield, a move widely understood to accommodate Palacios on the wing.

Meanwhile, £34 million midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has seemingly been marginalised, featuring off the bench for a combined total of just 25 Premier League minutes across Fulham's three opening defeats.

Internal friction is growing with Brazilian winger Kevin, too. As reported by Saturday White Fever, Fulham find themselves with an ultimatum just four weeks in to the new season.

Kevin, the club's record signing, and Arbeloa are believed to have fallen out over the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk man's playing time. He has accumulated a mere 24 league minutes this term, and was left as an unused substitute during last weekend's loss to Crystal Palace.

The immediate aftermath of that Palace defeat saw Kevin take to social media to post a cryptic message which read: 'no speak, no hear, no see'. This post has been universally interpreted as a protest against Arbeloa's team selection and possibly his management style, too.

It is now understood that Kevin is expected to seek an exit from Craven Cottage during the January transfer window unless the board opts to dismiss Arbeloa before then.

Alarmingly, the discontent is not isolated to one individual, either. In what appears to be a coordinated effort, both Iwobi and Smith Rowe have scrubbed their official Instagram accounts clean, wiping all historical posts depicting them in Fulham colours.

With a dismal record heading to Anfield, Arbeloa's gamble and squad management has backed him into a corner.

Should Fulham suffer another damaging defeat against Liverpool, or if the team produces another lifeless display, the board may be forced to act.

The manner of performance on Merseyside could well prove terminal for the manager's brief tenure in West London.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/person/coaches-managers/fulham-dressing-room-mutiny-forming-as-first-managerial-casualty-of-the-premier-league-season-nears

[WhiteJC]

Alvaro Arbeloa denies Fulham rift after cryptic social media behaviour
Fulham have lost their first three games of the new season but Arbeloa said the mood is 'positive' ahead of the trip to Liverpool

Alvaro Arbeloa has said the mood around Fulham is "positive" ahead of Saturday's trip to Liverpool, despite reports of first-team stars Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe removing all club content from their social media.

Fulham are still looking for their first point of the season with Arbeloa losing his first three Premier League games in charge ahead of Saturday's return to Anfield, where he made 98 appearances as a player.

There were reports of unrest following last weekend's defeat at home to Crystal Palace when winger Kevin, an unused substitute at Craven Cottage, posted a message onto his Instagram story with the caption "no speak, no hear, no see".

Iwobi and Smith Rowe have meanwhile cleared all photos, including football-related pictures, from their Instagram accounts, which some fans have seen as a sign of a rift within the Fulham camp following the arrival of Arbeloa in the summer.

Arbeloa, who replaced the long-serving Marco Silva, was in charge of Real Madrid last season and brought three players with him from the Spanish club's academy, including youngsters Gonzalo Garcia, Cesar Palacios and Manuel Angel.

The former Spain defender said Fulham were working hard to turn results around. "You can learn more about a group after a defeat than after a win, and I saw them work during the week with a very positive attitude, all of them," he said.

"For sure when you are a player and you are not playing, you can't be happy. It is what I expect from the players that are not playing. I want that they should need to show me that they are not happy during the training session. For me, this is the most important thing.

"Obviously, when you are not winning games and you are not helping your team, I think you have more desire to play games and to help their team-mates. But all of them, they have been working so hard and I have a very, very good group with a very good attitude."

Liverpool have won back-to-back games under Andoni Iraola and have scored twice in each match under the former Bournemouth boss this season, while Fulham conceded three at home to Crystal Palace last week.

"We know we need to improve and we have to adjust some parts of our game, but we are focused on the game tomorrow," Arbeloa said. "We can score goals against any team in the Premier League, that is the thing we are doing so well, creating so many chances and are aggressive without the ball."



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-social-media-arbeloa-iwobi-smith-rowe-kevin-b3048601.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Arbeloa on his players' attitude, early pressure on him and fans booing
Alvaro Arbeloa says he has been encouraged by the response of his Fulham players in training following their latest defeat.

The Fulham boss has praised the attitude shown ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool, having lost their opening three games of the Premier League season.

"I think you learn more about a group after a defeat than after a win, and they have worked with a very positive attitude this week," Arbeloa said.

"When you're a player and you aren't playing, you can't be happy. I expect that feeling from my players that aren't playing. I want them to show me they aren't happy in our training sessions.

"I can see how hard they are working. I feel I have a very good group with a very good attitude."

Arbeloa also insisted he remains focused on improving Fulham over the longer term and says he has the backing of the club to turn things around.

"I haven't just come here for three games or a month in charge, I've come here because I wanted to improve this team," he said. "That's where my energy goes."

Some Fulham supporters booed the team's performance last time out, but Arbeloa has urged the fans to remain behind his players.

"We are a very strong team when our fans are behind us," he added. "They want to see us win games – we know that – but we are stronger with them behind us."



https://hayters.com/fulham-boss-arbeloa-on-his-players-attitude-early-pressure-on-him-and-fans-booing/

[WhiteJC]

'You learn more about a group after a defeat' - Fulham coach addresses Iwobi's social media controversy
Fulham coach Alvaro Arbeloa has addressed the situation surrounding Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi after the Nigerian was among the players linked to recent social media activity at the club.

Iwobi's social media activity came under scrutiny after the Palace defeat, with the Super Eagles midfielder removing references to Fulham from his personal pages.

Emile Smith Rowe also made similar changes, while winger Kevin posted a bizarre Instagram story following the loss.

The former Arsenal star has been a regular starter for Fulham in the Premier League this season.

He played 83 minutes in the 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace before making way for Rodrigo Muniz and had also featured from the start in their previous league outing against Sunderland.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Fulham's trip to Liverpool, Arbeloa was asked about his players' response to the team's difficult start and the social media activity surrounding some members of the squad.

"I think you learn more about a group after a defeat than after a win, and they have worked with a very positive attitude this week," he said as quoted by The Standard.

"When you're a player and you aren't playing, you can't be happy. I expect that feeling from my players that aren't playing. I want them to show me they aren't happy in our training sessions. That's the most important thing for me.

"I can see how hard they are working. I feel I have a very good group with a very good attitude."

Iwobi will be looking to retain his place in the starting XI when Fulham take on Liverpool, with Arbeloa still searching for his first Premier League points as the club's head coach.

Wale Adejumo



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/you-learn-more-about-a-group-after-a-defeat-fulham-coach-addresses-iwobis-social-media-controversy

[WhiteJC]

The opposition lowdown: Fulham
Get the lowdown on Fulham ahead of Liverpool hosting the Cottagers in the Premier League on Saturday.

In the dugout
A familiar face will be in charge of the visitors to Anfield.

Former Reds defender Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed as their new head coach in July following the departure of Marco Silva.

Signed from Deportivo La Coruna by Liverpool in early 2007, Arbeloa went on to make 98 appearances for the club and score twice.

After two-and-a-half years on Merseyside, he left to join Real Madrid.

Season so far
Fulham are still searching for their first points of the new Premier League season.

Arbeloa's side have suffered three defeats by a one-goal margin: 2-3 v Chelsea, 0-1 v Sunderland and 2-3 v Crystal Palace.

In between times, they were 3-0 winners at home to AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup second round.

One to watch
Attacking midfielder Josh King has scored two of Fulham's four goals in the top flight so far this term.

He has been involved in every minute of their three matches.

Heading into the fourth round of Premier League games, King's tally of 25 touches in the opposition's box is more than any other player in the division.

Previous meetings
The sides clashed at Anfield in April and Liverpool claimed a 2-0 victory courtesy of first-half goals from Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah.

Prior to that in January, they took a point apiece as a dramatic conclusion saw them draw 2-2 at Craven Cottage.

What they said
Arbeloa, Fulham head coach

"It will be so special [to return to Anfield]. I went back when I was a Real Madrid player but now it's my first time as a coach. Anfield will always be a special place for me.

"I played with Andoni [Iraola] in the national team and obviously we faced each other many, many times in La Liga. I know him very, very well. He has been doing amazing work here in the Premier League.

"And now in Liverpool, you can see that they're playing in the style he's always playing with his teams. Of course it will be so difficult for us."

Pre-match stats
Fulham have won only one of their 11 away Premier League games in 2026 so far (four draws, six defeats), with that victory coming at Sunderland in February
In the opening three rounds of Premier League fixtures, only Manchester City (95) recorded more 10+ open-play passing sequences than Fulham (56)
The Cottagers have won only two of their last 16 league meetings with Liverpool



https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/opposition-lowdown-fulham-6

[WhiteJC]

Arbeloa addresses Fulham's failings in the new season
The Cottagers are still without a Premier League point.

Alvaro Arbeloa addressed a difficult moment for Fulham. The Cottagers parted ways with Marco Silva after five years, and his replacement is already under pressure in the dugout at Craven Cottage.

Fulham lost 3-2 to Chelsea in the West London derby, then they were beaten 1-0 at the Stadium of Light by Sunderland in a disappointing display. Goals from Josh King and Cesar Palacios put the hosts into a 2-1 lead over Crystal Palace, but Tyrick Mitchell and Ben Chilwell gave the Eagles the win. Only Coventry City have a worst record than Arbeloa's men in the Premier League standings.

· 'We need to improve – control better the transition'
Since then, Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi have removed content relating to the club from their Instagram accounts, and Kevin also caused a stir with a social media post of his own. For Arbeloa, it is the moment that the team need to come together and rally as they prepare for a trip to Liverpool.

"I think you learn more about a group after a defeat than after a win, and they have worked with a very positive attitude this week. When you're a player and you aren't playing, you can't be happy.

"I expect that feeling from my players that aren't playing. I want them to show me they aren't happy in our training sessions. That's the most important thing for me.

"I can see how hard they are working. I feel I have a very good group with a very good attitude.

"We are playing in a way that we create enough chances to win games, [but] we are not winning games, and both things are true. I think the last one is what counts, that we are not winning games.

"But we know why we are not winning games and what we need to adjust. So, for us and for me, we have been working on that from the first day. When we have the ball, our first thought is not about what we are going to do to score, it's more what we are going to do when we lose the ball.

"We need to be ready to control the transition, and for me that is very clear, and that's the gap that we need to improve – control better the transition, and when we lose the ball, we need to be more compact and choose better when we are going to press high.

"But, yes, I think it's very clear. We have been working on it, and I'm sure that if we can adjust and control better the transition of our opponents, we will win games."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/09/11/fulham/1270941-arbeloa-addresses-fulham-s-failings-in-the-new-season.html

[WhiteJC]

Ricardo Pepi on pain of failed Fulham transfer
PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi has admitted that his failed move to Fulham in March is now fuelling him to improve at the Dutch club.

PSV Inside report comments from the 23-year-old today from an interview with NOS. It seems the failed Fulham move is still stuck on his mind.

Fulham collapse
The striker was close to joining Fulham in the January transfer window initially. The Premier League side pushed to secure his signature late in that window, tempting PSV with several big offers.

The Eredivisie side rejected those offers and insisted a deal would not be happening, with Fulham eventually walking away. That wasn't the end of their interest though.

Fulham returned a month later to negotiate a deal with PSV Eindhoven for the summer. Negotiations eventually progressed to the point that Pepi travelled to London for a medical.

Then the transfer fell through. The two clubs ended up in dispute over various minor details, such as when Pepi would become a Fulham player officially. That was a particular issue given the timing of the World Cup.

Tough period
Ultimately the deal fell through, with Pepi returning to PSV frustrated and annoyed. That failure came as a severe blow for the American, who was also dealing with injury issues at the time. He's spoken of it already and is still admitting that it was a difficult period for him.

"That wasn't an easy period," he said.

"Not just for me, but for my family too. They've been there for me my whole life, and everyone was disappointed. But everything happens for a reason.

"Ultimately, I used that as fuel to come back even stronger."

The question is whether a Premier League move is on offer in future. With three goals in six games so far, Pepi has certainly started the season in the right kind of form. More of the same, and a future offer is likely to arrive.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/ricardo-pepi-on-pain-of-failed-fulham-transfer/

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Liverpool vs Fulham Preview: Prediction, Probable Lineups, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Liverpool will look to continue their excellent start under Andoni Iraola when they welcome Fulham to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds enter the fixture after another impressive European victory, while Fulham are still searching for their first Premier League points of the campaign. Liverpool have made an encouraging start under Iraola, scoring at least twice in every match so far while also showing signs of becoming more defensively secure.

The Reds followed a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, powered by a quickfire Alexander Isak brace, with an impressive 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister found the net against the Spanish side, giving Liverpool another important European victory.

Despite their strong overall form, Liverpool are still waiting for their first Premier League home victory of the season. They drew their opening Premier League match at Anfield against Nottingham Forest, making Saturday's fixture an important opportunity to put that unwanted run to bed.

Liverpool have also dominated this fixture at Anfield in recent years. They have won four and drawn one of their last five home meetings with Fulham across all competitions. Meanwhile, the visitors' start to the Premier League season could hardly have been more frustrating. The Cottagers have lost all three of their opening league matches, leaving them without a single point.

Their defeats have come in different ways. They were beaten by Chelsea and Crystal Palace despite creating opportunities, while Sunderland managed to keep them out entirely in a 1-0 victory. The 3-2 defeat against Palace was particularly frustrating given that Fulham produced 3.13 expected goals, suggesting that the scoreline did not accurately reflect their attacking output.

Nevertheless, the lack of points has increased pressure on manager Alvaro Arbeloa, with some supporters expressing their frustration following last weekend's defeat. There is one piece of history that may provide the visitors with some encouragement.

Fulham's most recent Premier League victory at Anfield came in March 2021, when Mario Lemina scored the only goal of the match. Since then, however, Liverpool have largely dominated this fixture on home soil, winning four and drawing one of their subsequent five meetings. Liverpool also won the most recent encounter 2-0 in April.

Liverpool should dominate possession and attempt to pin Fulham inside their own half. Iraola's attacking approach has already produced consistent goals, and the home side's ability to combine through the middle before releasing runners into wide areas could cause significant problems for Fulham.

The visitors may look to exploit Liverpool's attacking commitment through quick transitions. Fulham's performance against Crystal Palace demonstrates that they are capable of creating opportunities, even when results are poor. If they can reproduce that attacking efficiency at Anfield, they could make Liverpool uncomfortable.

However, Fulham's biggest challenge will be surviving Liverpool's sustained pressure. The hosts have scored at least twice in every match under Iraola, while Fulham have already conceded in all three Premier League fixtures. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

Liverpool
Liverpool will assess several players after their midweek Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez both came off before full time, but the latest assessment suggested that their issues were related to cramping rather than significant injuries.

Cody Gakpo remains a bigger doubt due to the adductor problem that kept him out of the Atletico match. Meanwhile, Liverpool will definitely be without Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike, Joe Gomez, and Federico Chiesa, who are all sidelined with their respective injuries. Victor Munoz could therefore be handed an opportunity in attack if Gakpo and Barcola are not cleared to play.

Liverpool are expected to retain their 4-2-3-1 formation, with Alisson in goal and Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, and Kostas Tsimikas forming the defensive line. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai should provide the central platform. Both players arrive with confidence after scoring against Atletico in midweek, with Mac Allister's header ultimately proving decisive.

Further forward, Munoz, Florian Wirtz, and Rio Ngumoha are expected to operate behind Alexander Isak. Isak is one of the major talking points heading into Saturday. The Swedish striker scored twice against Ipswich in his previous Premier League appearance, and another goal against Fulham would see him surpass his entire Premier League goal tally from the 2025/26 campaign.

Liverpool's attacking depth could therefore remain a major advantage despite the injury list. Their consistent ability to score multiple goals under Iraola should give Fulham's defence a difficult afternoon. The Reds will also want to improve their home league results. After three consecutive Premier League draws at Anfield, they will be determined to turn their strong attacking performances into three points.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Munoz, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isak

Fulham
Fulham head into Saturday's trip to Anfield with a relatively settled squad. Luc De Fougerolles and Tom Cairney remain unavailable as they continue their recoveries from knee injuries, but there are no major new concerns for manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

Manuel Angel, David Affengruber, and Hugo Larsson were all included in the matchday squad for the first time against Crystal Palace. Larsson made his brief Fulham debut with a second-half cameo, while the other two remained unused substitutes.

Despite the defeat to Palace, Arbeloa is expected to retain much of the same XI, having been satisfied with his players' overall application in the derby. However, Sander Berge could replace Oscar Bobb if Fulham want additional defensive strength in midfield. Fulham should continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bernd Leno in goal and Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Antonee Robinson forming the back four.

Sander Berge and Shea Charles are expected to provide the midfield base, with their primary responsibility likely to be limiting Liverpool's ability to play through the centre. Further forward, Alex Iwobi, Josh King, and Cesar Palacios should operate behind Gonzalo Garcia. Their movement will be important when Fulham transition from defence to attack, particularly if Liverpool commit both full-backs forward.

Fulham's biggest source of encouragement is the number of chances they created against Crystal Palace. Despite losing 3-2, they demonstrated that they can cause problems in the final third. However, Anfield presents a significantly more difficult challenge. Liverpool have scored at least twice in every match under Iraola, while Fulham are still searching for their first Premier League point of the season.

Arbeloa's side will therefore need to remain compact without becoming excessively passive. Berge's potential inclusion would provide additional protection in front of the centre-backs and could be particularly useful against Liverpool's attacking midfielders. Fulham's best route to a result may be through quick transitions, with Iwobi and Palacios attempting to exploit the spaces left behind Liverpool's advancing full-backs.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles; Iwobi, King, Palacios; Garcia

Key Stats

    Liverpool have scored at least two goals in every competitive match under Andoni Iraola.
    Liverpool are still searching for their first Premier League home win of the season, having drawn their opening three league matches at Anfield.
    Fulham have lost all three of their Premier League matches this season, leaving them without a point heading into the trip to Anfield.
    Fulham produced 3.13 expected goals against Crystal Palace despite losing 3-2.
    Liverpool have dominated Fulham at Anfield in recent meetings, winning four and drawing one of their last five home encounters with the Cottagers. Fulham's last league victory at Anfield came in March 2021.

Player to Watch

Alexander Isak
The Swedish striker arrives in excellent form after scoring a brace against Ipswich Town in his previous Premier League appearance. Another goal on Saturday would see Isak surpass his entire Premier League goal tally from the 2025/26 season.

Isak's movement could be particularly dangerous against Fulham's defence. His ability to drop between the lines, stretch centre-backs with his pace and attack spaces behind the defensive line gives Liverpool several ways to break down the visitors. He will also benefit from the creativity around him, with Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister capable of supplying chances from central areas.

Fulham have conceded in all three of their Premier League matches so far, while Liverpool have scored at least twice in every competitive game under Andoni Iraola. With Liverpool searching for their first Premier League home win of the season, Isak could be the player who finally makes the difference at Anfield.

Prediction

Liverpool 3-1 Fulham
Fulham's attacking numbers suggest they could create chances, but their inability to convert those opportunities has left them pointless after three matches. Liverpool are playing with considerable confidence, have home advantage and have an excellent recent record against Fulham at Anfield.

With the Reds also coming off another UEFA Champions League victory, they should have enough attacking quality to finally claim their first Premier League home win of the campaign.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2026/09/11/liverpool-vs-fulham-preview-prediction-probable-lineups-tactics-team-news-key-stats/

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Arbeloa insists there is a 'very positve attitude' among Fulham squad
Alvaro Arbeloa has sought to play down apparent unrest among some Fulham players.

Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe recently deleted all of their club-related Instagram posts, and Kevin posted a cryptic Instagram story.

Arbeloa, still waiting for his first win as Whites boss, insisted he is happy with the attitude of his squad – and expects players to be unhappy when they are not selected.

"You can learn more about a group after a defeat than after a win, and I saw them work during the week with a very positive attitude," said Arbeloa.

"For sure, if) you are a player and you are not playing you can't be happy, and it is what I expect from the players that they are not playing, and they need to show me that they are not happy during the training session – for me this is the most important thing.

"They have all worked with a very positive attitude this week. I have a very good group with a very good attitude."

Arbeloa also insisted that Kenny Tete, who has not featured under him – and recently almost joined Everton – remains "so important" and needs to "keep working and being patient".

It has been a tough start to the Spaniard's tenure and this weekend Fulham face a daunting trip to face Liverpool at Anfield.

But he said: "I didn't come here just for three games or a month, I came here because I wanted to improve this club. That's where my energy goes."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/arbeloa-insists-there-is-a-very-positve-attitude-among-fulham-squad

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Alvaro Arbeloa: These three games will decide Fulham future
Fulham are prepared to give Alvaro Arbeloa up to five games to ease the pressure on his position, sources have told Football Insider.

The new boss has lost his opening three games of the Premier League season, most recently in a 3-2 defeat against Crystal Palace, and is without a point on the board.

Their upcoming visit to Anfield will then be followed by a game against Man United, with an unkind fixture list doing the manager no favours with regard to his future.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Arbeloa will be given three games after the international break to prove his worth.

With a 20-day break following the Man United clash, the Cottagers will then play all three newly-promoted sides in what will be a decisive run for the new manager.

Should Arbeloa prove unable to pick up positive results from those three games, it may force Fulham into a deicison about his future at the club.

What do Fulham have planned for Alvaro Arbeloa?
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 10 September that Arbeloa is likely to be the first Premier League manager sacked after a dreadful start to the season.

Three defeats to kick off the new manager's tenure in the Premier League has raised the stakes for his upcoming games, but it appears Fulham are ready to give him time yet.

Despite frustrartions buidling behind the scenes at Craven Cottage, they are hopful that Arbeloa can turn things around, and are willing to give him time to do that.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Football is ultimately a results-based business and until you start getting wins then the criticism will not go away.

"The sceptics will continue to grow if the results aren't good, but look, they've got games against Liverpool and Man United coming up which will be tough.

"But after the international break, they've got three games against all three of the newly-promoted teams, so they will be targeting those games where they can pick up points.

"If they continue to struggle in those three games, then a decision might have to be made, but I don't think there'll be any knee-jerk reactions from the Fulham board."

Which other issues is Arbeloa facing at Fulham?
Arbeloa is already facing problems both on and off the pitch at Craven Cottage, with their poor start to the season not the only issue putting pressure on his position.

Following the defeat against Crystal Palace, boos were heard around the stadium, with the fans now starting to express their frustrations towards the new manager.

Meanwhile, former Man United coach Mick Brown told Football Insider that Fulham stars have started to show their frustrations with Arbeloa behind the scenes.

Those concerns, combined with frustrations from the crowd and potential issues arising in the dressing room, have not placed Arbeloa in a strong position to turn things around.

There is also a belief that the manager's lack of experience, despite landing the hot seat at Real Madrid in the latter stages of last season, mean he is still unproven at this level.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/fulham/alvaro-arbeloa-these-three-games-will-decide-fulham-future

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PREVIEW: Can Fulham punish Liverpool's slow starts at Anfield?
Liverpool are beginning to find rhythm under Andoni Iraola, but their starts have not always matched the quality of what has followed. Fulham may see that as their best route into ...

Liverpool are beginning to find rhythm under Andoni Iraola, but their starts have not always matched the quality of what has followed. Fulham may see that as their best route into Saturday's game at Anfield.

Liverpool drew their opening two Premier League matches before producing a much sharper start at Ipswich last Friday, where Alexander Isak scored twice inside nine minutes in a 2-0 win. Iraola later highlighted the intensity of that opening spell as one of the most pleasing parts of the performance.

The pattern changed again on Wednesday. Liverpool fell behind against Atletico Madrid before recovering to win 2-1 through Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. They have now scored at least twice in every competitive game under Iraola, but the first 20 minutes remain an area Fulham can target.

Álvaro Arbeloa's side have lost all three league games, yet their performances have offered more than the table suggests. Fulham had almost 65% possession and 25 shots against Crystal Palace last weekend, leading twice before eventually losing 3-2. Seven goals conceded in three games, however, tells the other side of the story.

That makes Saturday's opening phase particularly interesting. Fulham have shown they can control periods of games, but have struggled badly once momentum turns against them. Their aggressive defensive line has also left too much space behind, something Liverpool's pace through Isak and their wide players is well equipped to attack. The Guardian described Fulham as creative under Arbeloa but still too easily exposed defensively.

There has also been some unwanted attention off the pitch. Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe removed football-related posts from their Instagram accounts, while Kevin posted a cryptic message after being left unused against Palace. Arbeloa dismissed suggestions of wider unrest, saying the squad had trained with a "very positive attitude" during the week.

Liverpool have a few fitness concerns of their own. Cody Gakpo remains a doubt with an adductor problem, while Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez are expected to be available after suffering cramp against Atletico.

Fulham, meanwhile, need more than another promising spell. They need a complete performance.

If they can take advantage of Liverpool's tendency to settle slowly, they may give themselves a real foothold at Anfield. The bigger question is whether they can hold onto it once Liverpool begin to accelerate.



https://wp.fromthespot.co.uk/31738/preview-can-fulham-punish-liverpools-slow-starts-at-anfield/

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Liverpool handed referee for Fulham game who Andoni Iraola fumed at
Liverpool has been handed its referee and match officials for the clash with Fulham, with an important match for Andoni Iraola and his side coming up.

Andoni Iraola is heading into another important weekend of action, as he looks to land a third win in a row with Liverpool, as the Reds play host to Fulham at Anfield in the Premier League.

The Merseyside outfit is unbeaten so far, but victories over Ipswich and Atletico Madrid have given the side some momentum heading into the next few matches. Fulham travels to Anfield without much momentum, with former right-back Alvaro Arbeloa now in charge of the Whites, and still searching for a first point in the Premier League.

The West London outfit has lost all three league matches so far, with the Spanish manager implementing a new style of play as well as dealing with a turnover of players, having lost some experienced stars and replacing them with younger options.

There have been signs of some potential improvements to come, with Iraola pointing out in his pre-match press conference that the performances have been impressive from Fulham, with the side only losing by one goal in all three of their defeats so far.

If Liverpool is to land another important win, the team will need to play at its intense best, while there will also be an element of luck involved.

Some of that may come from decisions on the pitch from match officials, with the Reds potentially needing some decisions to swing their way during the big clash.

Ahead of the match, the Premier League and Pro Ref have announced the match officials for the clash, announcing that Tom Bramall is the referee for the encounter.

Bramall has overseen four Liverpool matches in his career, with the 36-year-old overseeing three wins and one defeat for the Reds since his first time in charge in 2023.

He has also been in charge of some of Iraola's matches, earning some criticism from the manager during his time at Bournemouth last season.

The head coach was left angry with Bramall when West Ham's Max Kilman was not sent off for an incident in the match, which led to an outburst in the post-match press conference.

Iraola claimed: "I don't understand the referee decision to not send him off. They told me it is not a denial of a goal-scoring opportunity.

"If that is not it, I don't know what is. I cannot even understand it. It is the clearest chance you can give to a number nine. I was not happy at all with the decision."

It remains to be seen whether the manager will be left frustrated again, but the decisions could be key in Liverpool's result with Fulham.



https://www.liverpool.com/liverpool-fc-news/features/liverpool-fulham-referee-andoni-iraola-34606845

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Eight players could miss Liverpool vs Fulham as injury updates given
Liverpool host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon

After midweek success for Liverpool in the Champions League, it's back to Premier League action this weekend. The Reds host Fulham at Anfield on Saturday (3pm BST).

They go into the game on a high, having beaten Atletico Madrid 2-1 in their Champions League opener on Wednesday night. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister ensured that Liverpool took all three points.

While Liverpool were in action, Fulham have had a full week to prepare for the game at Anfield. The Cottagers are yet to win in the Premier League under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, having lost all three matches.

Liverpool have, meanwhile, won one and drawn two of their opening three league games under Andoni Iraola. Both teams will go into the match looking to take all three points and properly kick-start their season.

Ahead of the meeting, both managers have given the latest team news on their squads.

Liverpool
The main worry for Liverpool will be the availability of Cody Gakpo. The forward missed the win over Atletico, and faces a late fitness test for the match vs Fulham.

"Cody we will see. He didn't train yesterday," Iraola said. "Today we will try with him and let's see if he's ready for tomorrow or we need to wait for the next one."

If he isn't fit, he will join defender Joe Gomez on the sidelines. The England man suffered an injury during pre-season and is yet to return to the first team squad.

While he is closing in on a return, this weekend's game may come too soon.

Federico Chiesa is also expected not to be available after picking up a muscle injury in the latter stages of pre-season. It is unknown when he will make his return.

There are also three longer-term injuries who will be on the sidelines. Giovani Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike are all continuing their rehabilitation.

In a boost for Iraola, he has confirmed that summer signing Bradley Barcola is expected to be available after being taken off with cramp during the win over Atletico. "We still need to train this afternoon. Barcola was just cramps," he said.

"We have to evaluate how he is today, but there's no injury. He should, I think, be available, if everything goes normal."

Fulham
Fulham don't have much to worry about on the injury front, with only two players expected to miss the match. Club captain Tom Cairney will be unavailable as he continues his recovery from a minor knee procedure last month.

Young striker Jonah Kusi-Asare is yet to feature in any matchday squad so far this season. He has 10 first team appearances for the club, and struggled with a knee injury last season.

The match will see Arbeloa come up against Iraola, someone he knows well from Spain. "I played with Andoni in the national team, and obviously we faced each other many, many times in La Liga," he said in his pre-match press conference. "I know him very, very well.

"I saw him when he was the coach of Mirandés, Rayo Vallecano, and after in Bournemouth, so I know that he's an amazing coach, and I'm not surprised that now he's the coach of Liverpool.

"He has been doing amazing work here in the Premier League, and now in Liverpool you can see they are playing in the style that he's always playing with his teams, and of course it will be so difficult for us tomorrow."



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-vs-fulham-injury-news-34605443

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Crystal Palace, Fulham retain Raphael Le Guen interest
Crystal Palace and Fulham have retained their interest in signing 20-year-old French defensive sensation Raphael Le Guen from Stade Brestois 29.

According to a report by French outlet Le 10 Sport, Crystal Palace and Fulham "could make another attempt this winter" to sign Raphael Le Guen. Additionally, other clubs are also closely monitoring the 20-year-old Stade Brestois 29 centre-back's progress at the Ligue 1 club.

Per Le 10 Sport, Le Guen spoke with Pierre Sage when Crystal Palace launched multiple bids to sign him in the summer transfer window. However, Brest are understood to be aware that Le Guen could represent their next major sale if he departs, and the club will aim to increase his valuation accordingly.

Who is Raphael Le Guen?
Raphael Le Guen is the latest promising prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. Born in Quimper, the 20-year-old spent his formative years in France, starting his youth career with Chateaulin FC before graduating from the youth division at Stade Brestois 29.

The French defensive prospect has already broken into the Ligue 1 club's first-team squad, amassing over 500 minutes of game time in nine appearances thus far. The player has started all three Ligue 1 games for Brest this season, accumulating 270 minutes of game time. Meanwhile, Le Guen's progress at the senior level and age-group football has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, and an adventure in the Premier League may be on the cards.

London calling?
Crystal Palace wanted to sign Raphael Le Guen in the summer transfer window, but a deal did not materialise. The continued interest makes sense, as it is unclear if Axel Disasi will remain at Selhurst Park beyond the 2026/27 season. Additionally, Takehiro Tomiyasu is only a short-term solution for the South London club. So, as the Eagles attempt to fill the void of Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix, a young prospect like Le Guen is a credible option.

As for Fulham, the Cottagers were also keen on signing the Frenchman in the summer. The continued interest may appear surprising, considering they signed David Affengruber in a deadline-day move. However, with Calvin Bassey recently emerging as a target for Inter Milan, Fulham must consider an alternative if the Nigerian international leaves.

Meanwhile, despite Brest's acknowledgement that Le Guen could be their "next big sale" when he departs, the report makes no mention of a price tag. However, given his long-term contract with Brest, any valuation for the French centre-back is expected to be substantial.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/09/12/crystal-palace-fulham-retain-raphael-le-guen-interest/

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'There's whispers of unrest' - Alvaro Arbeloa doubts at Fulham intensify
Alvaro Arbeloa was facing doubts about his role as Fulham manager before a ball was kicked, sources have told Football Insider.

The 43-year-old was appointed to replace Marco Silva at Craven Cottage during the summer but questions are already being asked about his future at the club.

This comes as a result of a poor start to the Premier League season, with three defeats from three games so far and a difficult fixture schedule on the horizon.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Arbeloa's lack of senior managerial experience has already raised red flags at Fulham.

The Spaniard oversaw the second half of last season as the interim manager at Real Madrid, but has no previous experience barring that short-term spell.

Fulham's concerns are now mounting alongside boos from the crowd and suggestions of unhappy players, and Arbeloa's future has been thrown into doubt.

Could Fulham sack Alvaro Arbeloa soon?
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 10 September that Arbeloa is the most likely Premier League manager to be sacked in the near future.

This comes amid suggestions that the manager can be "confrontational" behind the scenes, leading to disagreements with players and fanning the flames of discontent.

Should they fail to get any points on the board in the near future, serious questions will be asked, and there is a growing likelihood he could soon lose his job.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I'm sure there'll be a bit of scrutiny on Arbeloa after what has been a disappointing start to the season for Fulham.

"That scrutiny has probably been there since before a ball was kicked, because his appointment was greeted with bit of scepticism from some because of his relative inexperience in managing.

"He's only had that role at Real Madrid last season when he stepped in following Xabi Alonso's departure there.

"It's going to take time for Arbeloa to get his ideas and methods across. Obviously it's not great when there's whispers of unrest in the squad as well in some respects.

"Football is ultimately a results-based business and until you start getting wins then the criticism will not go away and the sceptics will continue to grow if the results aren't good."

Has Arbeloa been set up to fail at Fulham?
Following the reveal that Arbeloa was facing doubts about his Fulham appointment before he even arrived as manager, questions have been asked about the task at hand.

Replacing Silva at Craven Cottage was always going to be a difficult job as he was so well-liked, but the new manager seems to have been given little time to adjust.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 11 September that Arbeloa has been "set up to fail" at Fulham in his attempts to take over from Silva.

Silva was very highly thought of at Fulham, not just by the fans but also by the players, and making changes to his way of operating was always bound to lead to conflict.

The Portuguse boss opted to leave West London at the end of last season, and while there is optimism that Arbeloa can turn things around, his job is becoming increasingly tough.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/fulham/theres-whispers-of-unrest-alvaro-arbeloa-doubts-at-fulham-intensify