Arbeloa: Fulham must show more fight after Sunderland defeat

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa says his side did not deserve to lose to Sunderland, but admits they must improve their energy and mentality after suffering a second successive Premier League defeat under the Spanish coach.

Fulham were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland, following their 3-2 loss to Chelsea in the opening round of the Premier League. The latest result leaves Arbeloa searching for a response from a team he described as new and still adapting to new ideas.

Speaking to the BBC, Arbeloa said: “It was a difficult match for us. We did not deserve what happened. In the second half, especially the first 20 minutes, we were at a level that allowed us to play football with the energy, concentration and quality that we want.”

However, the Fulham manager acknowledged that Sunderland had been the stronger side for significant periods of the match.

“Sunderland were better than us in many periods of the game,” he added. “We have to improve many things, especially energy and mentality.”

Arbeloa said the team would need to develop greater consistency if it was to play in the manner he expects.

“If you want to play in the way you want, you have to have the right mentality,” he said. “It is not easy, but we are a new team with new ideas, and we will improve as time goes on.”

The Spaniard warned that Fulham would experience both positive and difficult spells as the players continued to adjust, but insisted they must raise their level of commitment in matches.

“There will be ups and downs, but we have to understand that we need to show more energy and fight for every ball,” Arbeloa said.

Fulham’s away form has also been a focus for the manager. Asked about the team’s improvement in results outside their home ground, Arbeloa said competing effectively on difficult days would require collective effort rather than relying only on quality in possession.

“It is a target for my team and, on some days, we will play as badly as we did, but that means you have to run, fight and play close together,” he explained.

The defeat by Sunderland came as Fulham continue to work under Arbeloa’s approach and attempt to establish a stronger identity. The manager said the players needed time to absorb the changes, while also making clear that effort and discipline could not be overlooked during that process.

Fulham are also working with the club on potential activity in the transfer market. With two days remaining, Arbeloa said recruitment remained a priority as the club considers how to improve the balance of the squad.

“We are working on that with the club,” he said. “We know that we have two days left, so we are working on it because we can make the team stronger and more balanced.”