Fulham star admits players still in the dark over next manager amid Alvaro Arbeloa and Frank Lampard links

Alex Iwobi has declared that the Fulham squad are yet to be told who will be replacing Marco Silva at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers announced Silva’s exit at the start of June, with the 48-year-old returning to his native Portugal to take charge of Benfica.

Iwobi has become a star player for Fulham since joining from Everton in 2023

talkSPORT understands that Alvaro Arbeloa is the leading candidate after talks progressed last weekend.

Arbeloa is on the lookout for a new job after he departed his role as interim Real Madrid boss – with Jose Mourinho brought in as permanent replacement.

Coventry boss Frank Lampard is also admired by Fulham, with the two parties holding negotiations.

Though it had been reported that Lampard, who managed Iwobi at Everton, is poised to sign a new three-year deal after guiding the Sky Blues to Premier League promotion.

Ful steam ahead

Talk of Fulham’s manager search was put to Iwobi during his appearance on the The Warm Up with Max Rushden and Charlie Baker on Sunday.

The ex-Arsenal winger, who has scored 19 goals for Fulham since joining in 2023, was asked about Arbeloa and Lampard.

Iwobi was also pressed whether he is used to the uncertainty of not knowing who he will be playing under.

To which he said: “Yeah, I mean, I can only go off my experience with the national team and at Everton.

“I’ve had several managers there, so it won’t be difficult for me to adapt.

“We’ll be ready to play whoever the manager is.

Arbeloa could be set for an instant return to the dugout after departing the BernabeuGetty Lampard guided Coventry back to the English too-flight after a 25-year absenceGetty

“Of course, I’ve worked with Frank Lampard before and he’s someone I really enjoyed working with.

“But I don’t really mind as long as the manager that comes in wants to help better the club and so do the players.

“So whoever the manager is, we’re ready to work with them.”

Iwobi was then asked as to how the Fulham players are reacting to the situation on their squad WhatsApp group.

Commenting on whether he and his teammates are discussing it, he remarked: “Obviously when we got told that Marco was leaving, I was active.

“Thinking, ‘Oh no, who are we going to get in next?’

Iwobi has the summer off after Nigeria failed to qualify for the World CupGetty

“But ever since then, it’s been pretty quiet.

“But I’m sure people are waiting for the message to say, ‘This is who we’re going to get.’

“But no-one has said anything yet, but we’re just patiently waiting.”

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