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Arbeloa on first league win, hopes for long-term project and Hull City
Updated Fri, October 23, 2026 at 11:46 AM UTC

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Coventry City at CBS Arena (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Aside from Ryan Sessegnon, who is suspended, "everybody is fit" for Saturday's match: "Everybody is good. Emile [Smith Rowe] had some issues after the last training session last Friday, but yesterday he completed all training sessions, so I think he will be available - but we will see later."

  • Arbeloa said "nothing has changed" since recording his first league win, against Hull City, last weekend: "When we were not winning we kept the belief. Now, we have the same target to win a tough game against Coventry. We have the reward we were looking for and we have to fight again."

  • Asked if a weight has been lifted off his shoulders, the Spaniard replied: "I know it is important for a coach, but I don't feel this. It's about my players and supporters. They deserve the win."

  • Arbeloa said he is confident about being given the time to build a project at Craven Cottage: "I can't compare myself with Marco [Silva] because he was here for five years. He did really well and he had his own ideas and his own players. It is good time to build a good project and I hope I can have this time. I am working so hard with my staff and with my players to build this new project."

  • He said his team need to find Gonzalo Garcia with the ball more: "I am so happy with him because of his work and how he helps create space. He is making some good runs. We are a team who likes to have the ball and combine, but sometimes you need to look for the players that are running. He is doing great."

  • On Saturday's opponents: "They are a team that can combine if you give them time, but also they try to go to your box as quicky as they can. They are a team that like to put so many crosses in and to put the ball in the wide areas. They can be very direct and also they are very good in counter-attacks."

  • Arbeloa said he expects this match to be similar to their defeat by Ipswich earlier this month: "[That was] A game where we had the ball, but away games are never easy. We know this game is very important for us, but it's very important for them."

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