Fulham leader Joachim Andersen surprised to lose his place under Arbeloa

Joachim Andersen has sent a clear message to Álvaro Arbeloa. The 30-year-old Danish defender, one of Fulham’s senior figures and a captain on numerous occasions last season, did not hide his surprise at losing his place in the side.

“It surprises me a little. I was captain in many, many matches last season,” Andersen explained. Absent for the opening league match, he was then named among the substitutes for the last two games against Liverpool and Manchester United. He only came on in the closing stages of Sunday’s draw.

The Dane also defended his performances while acknowledging his coach’s choice: “I think I have played quite brilliantly. But sometimes the coach wants to try something different and that is how it is.” Andersen does not appear to fully agree with Arbeloa’s decision, however.

After the draw against Manchester United, the Spanish coach himself said he already knew that “they would not let him lose here,” referring to what had happened in the City-United match the previous round.

The context does little to help Arbeloa. Fulham are reportedly still without a win after the first five Premier League matchdays and have only two points, following three defeats and two draws. Against Manchester United, his team had victory in their hands until the 89th minute, before Cunha’s equaliser again denied him a first win in the competition.

As he tries to find the formula to get Fulham going, Arbeloa is also beginning to display a trait associated with José Mourinho for much of his career. That line of communication recalls that of his former Real Madrid coach, at a time when Mourinho is now on the Madrid bench and is also said to be constantly seeking excuses.