Photo Credit: Photo by Javier Garcia/Shutterstock (17114735ap) – Calvin Bassey of Fulham and Cole Palmer of Chelsea, Fulham v Chelsea, Premier League, Craven Cottage, London, UK – 24 Aug 2026. Via Bold Sports NG / Shutterstock / Imago.
Bassey Calls for Patience as Fulham Adapt to Arbeloa
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has urged fans to be patient with new Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa following the club’s winless start to the Premier League season.

Fulham have lost their opening three league games — against Chelsea, Sunderland and Crystal Palace — and are still searching for their first points under the Spaniard.

Bassey, 26, who has captained the side in all three games in the absence of injured club captain Tom Cairney, described leading Fulham as an “unbelievable privilege.”

Speaking in an interview published on Fulham’s official website, the centre-back said his fourth season at Craven Cottage has helped him settle into the leadership role.

“It’s a privilege. Being able to captain this club is unbelievable,” Bassey said. “Going into my fourth season, I know the boys and get on with everyone, so I just be myself and try to help everyone.”

The Nigerian international said leading comes naturally from his position as a centre-half, but insists it has not changed his personality.

“I’m more chill. Before the game, I’m just happy, smiling as always. I just want everyone to go in with good energy,” he added.

On Arbeloa, who was appointed earlier this summer after working within Real Madrid’s youth set-up, Bassey stressed that adaptation will take time.

“It’s a journey. We’ve only been with him for two months or so, so it’s very new,” Bassey said. “You can see from the way we’ve played that there’s a lot of positives.”

He praised Arbeloa’s calm approach, noting that his experience as a former player helps him understand the squad.

“The manager is very calm. I think him being a player means he understands it can be hard at certain times, so he’s able to lead us in a calm way.”

Fulham face a tough test next as they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool. Bassey said the squad is doing its homework to find a way to hurt Liverpool despite their quality.
Source: PunchNG –