Alvaro Arbeloa, the Fulham manager, has expressed a measured and focused approach following the team’s first Premier League victory of the season, achieved in a recent match against Hull City. The 43-year-old former defender, who played for Liverpool and Real Madrid, emphasized his role as part of a collective effort rather than positioning himself as a central figure.
In securing a 1-0 win at Craven Cottage, midfielder Alex Iwobi scored a deflected goal in the 33rd minute, lifting Fulham from the bottom of the league standings after a challenging start to the campaign. Arbeloa acknowledged the pressures inherent in the role but insisted that maintaining a positive outlook was crucial for both himself and his squad as they work to improve their league position.
“I don’t feel that I am the important one,” Arbeloa said. “But I will give everything every day to get more wins. I am here because I want the best for Fulham, for this club, I want the best for the players and supporters.” Reflecting on his management style, he highlighted the importance of resilience and a consistent work ethic, praising his players for their daily commitment.
This victory marks a turning point after Fulham relinquished league leads on three previous occasions this season. Arbeloa, a 56-cap Spain international and winner of the World Cup and two European Championships, noted the challenge of securing wins early in his tenure. Although his spell as coach at Real Madrid lasted only six months, he maintained composure and confidence throughout, highlighting the need for persistence in the face of setbacks.
“If we play like we did here for 90 minutes we are going to get so many victories,” Arbeloa stated. “If you saw how my players work every day, they believe in the same thing.”
Meanwhile, Hull City’s promising start to the season has stalled following their defeat at Fulham. Centre-back Semi Ajayi, 32, voiced frustration with his team's performance, stating they were outplayed from start to finish and failed to register a shot on target. “It’s not good enough, we need to be better,” Ajayi said. He pointed to the need for consistent improvement to maintain competitiveness in the top flight.
Fulham’s win offers a temporary relief from mounting pressure on their manager as they strive to climb the Premier League table, while Hull looks to regain momentum after a faltering display.
