Joachim Andersen Surprised by Álvaro Arbeloa’s Decision to Leave Him Out

 

Fulham defender Joachim Andersen has admitted that he is surprised and somewhat confused by Álvaro Arbeloa’s recent decision to leave him out of the starting lineup for two important Premier League matches.

 

The Denmark international returned to Fulham from Crystal Palace in August 2024 and quickly established himself as an important member of the squad. During the previous two seasons, Andersen was a regular starter under former manager Marco Silva and was also trusted with the captain’s armband on numerous occasions.

 

However, Silva departed Fulham at the end of last season, prompting the club to appoint Spanish coach Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement. Since Arbeloa took charge, Andersen’s position within the team appears to have changed.

 

The centre-back’s situation was also affected by a suspension carried over from the previous campaign. Andersen was shown a straight red card during Fulham’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth in May, which resulted in a three-match ban. He served two matches of the suspension later that month, with the final game of his ban coming in Fulham’s 3-2 defeat against Chelsea in August.

 

Because of the suspension, Andersen was unavailable for Arbeloa’s first official match in charge. Once he became eligible again, however, the Danish defender was brought back into the starting XI for Fulham’s defeats against Sunderland and Crystal Palace.

 

Despite his return, Arbeloa subsequently opted not to start Andersen in Fulham’s next two league matches. He remained an unused substitute during the goalless draw against Liverpool before being introduced from the bench for the final 10 minutes of Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

 

Fulham appeared to be heading towards their first Premier League victory of the campaign, but a late equaliser from Matheus Cunha denied them all three points. The result left the London club 19th in the league table with just two points, one point behind Bournemouth in 17th place.

 

Following the Manchester United match, Andersen was asked about his reduced role and Arbeloa’s decision to leave him out of the starting lineup in the last two league fixtures. Speaking to the Danish media, the defender openly admitted that the situation had caught him off guard.

 

“It comes as a bit of a surprise to me. Last season, I was captain in many matches,” Andersen explained.

 

He acknowledged that Fulham had endured a difficult beginning to the season and that he had been unavailable for the opening fixture because of his suspension. However, after the team lost its first three matches, Arbeloa decided to make changes to his lineup.

 

Andersen said: “We lost the first three matches. I was suspended for the first one. And then the coach thinks we should change.”

 

Despite his disappointment, the defender made it clear that he understands the manager has the authority to make such decisions. He also indicated that he does not intend to create unnecessary controversy over the situation.

 

“But I don’t have much to say about it. I can’t do much about it, and I think I’ve played quite brilliantly. Sometimes the coach wants to try something different, and that’s how it is,” he added.

 

Andersen’s comments highlight the contrast between his importance under Marco Silva and his current situation under Arbeloa. Last season, the 30-year-old defender accumulated 3,057 minutes across 35 appearances and was entrusted with the captaincy in the majority of those matches. His reduced involvement at the beginning of the new campaign therefore represents a significant change in his role.

 

Fulham’s Summer Recruitment

 

Fulham also made several additions to their squad during the 2026/27 transfer window, bringing in players from a variety of clubs.

 

Among their notable signings were Gonzalo García from Real Madrid for a reported £34.2 million, Shea Charles from Southampton for £24 million, and David Affengruber from Elche for £10.3 million.

 

The club also signed César Palacios from Real Madrid for £8.5 million, while Jonah Kusi-Asare arrived from Bayern Munich for £5.2 million. Manuel Ángel joined from Real Madrid for approximately £3 million, while Hugo Larsson arrived on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt.

 

With several new players competing for places, Arbeloa has a number of options available to him, which could partly explain why he has chosen to alter his defensive setup.

 

International Break Gives Andersen an Opportunity

 

The upcoming international break could provide Andersen with an important opportunity to regain his confidence and demonstrate his abilities.

 

Earlier in March, Denmark manager Brian Riemer left Andersen out of the squad for the World Cup qualifying victory over North Macedonia. The decision frustrated the defender, who later admitted that the situation left him feeling “powerless.”

 

Andersen has now been included in Riemer’s squad for the current international period. Denmark are scheduled to face Norway, Wales, Portugal and Wales again in their UEFA Nations League fixtures over the coming weeks.

 

These matches could give Andersen valuable playing time at international level after his limited involvement at Fulham. Strong performances for Denmark would also give him an opportunity to remind Arbeloa of what he can offer and strengthen his case for a regular starting role when he returns to west London.

 

For now, Andersen appears willing to respect Arbeloa’s decision, despite being surprised by it. However, if his situation at Fulham does not improve and he continues to spend significant periods on the bench, the defender could eventually have to consider his future at the club.

 

With the January transfer window potentially providing an opportunity for a move, Andersen may have to assess his options if he is unable to regain his regular starting position under Arbeloa.