Calvin Bassey breaks silence on Fulham’s winless start under Arbeloa

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up on Fulham’s difficult start under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa after the London club suffered defeats in each of their opening three Premier League games, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fulham are still searching for their first point of the season after losing to Chelsea, Sunderland and Crystal Palace, with their latest setback coming in a dramatic 3-2 defeat at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers twice took the lead against Crystal Palace through Josh King and César Palacios, but Tyrick Mitchell scored twice before Ben Chilwell struck a late winner to leave Fulham empty-handed once again.

Calvin Bassey on the ball during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Copyright: ImagoxDennisxGoodwinx

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Despite the disappointing results, the former Ajax defender believes the team must continue to work with Arbeloa as they adapt to the new manager’s ideas.

The Nigeria international has been one of the key figures in the early weeks of the Spaniard’s reign, starting all three league matches and wearing the captain’s armband.

And while Fulham’s results have raised questions, Bassey has also embraced the responsibility of leading the team through the difficult period.

Fulham players celebrate. Copyright: ImagoxJPxFletcher

Calvin Bassey explains Fulham captaincy under Arbeloa

Bassey has revealed that being handed the captaincy by Arbeloa has been a huge honour, but insists the responsibility has not changed his personality.

“Being able to captain this club is unbelievable,” the former Leicester City defender said in quotes revealed by Fulham's official website.

“I’m going into my fourth season here so I know the boys and I get on with everyone. I’m just myself and I try to help everyone.”

The 26-year-old believes his position as a centre-back naturally prepares him for a leadership role because of the amount of communication required on the pitch.

“Leading comes naturally to me because of the position I play – I can see everything and I have to communicate as a centre-half,” he explained.

“It is a huge privilege and I have to thank the manager for giving it to me, but I don’t think it has changed me.”

A disappointed Fulham Manager Alvaro Arbeloa, consoling Calvin Bassey. Copyright: ImagoxJohnxPatrickxFletcher

‘I’m more chill’ – Bassey reveals his leadership style

While some captains are known for their vocal presence and willingness to demand more from teammates, Bassey says that is not his approach.

The Super Eagles defender describes himself as a more relaxed character who prefers to create a positive atmosphere before games.

“I’m more chill. Before a game, I’m just happy and smiling, as always,” Bassey said.

“I just want everyone to go into a game with good energy.”

The defender admitted that frustration is inevitable during matches, but insisted he does not believe in constantly shouting at his teammates.

“Of course you can get frustrated; I think everyone understands that. It isn’t my personality to start screaming at people, though,” he added.

“I know everyone goes out there and gives 100%.”

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest. Copyright: Imago

Liverpool up next

Fulham have lost three games straight, and that could mess with the atmosphere in the dressing room, but the AFCON 2023 silver medallist believes there are positives.

“I’m excited. You can see from the way we’ve played that there’s a lot of positives.

“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.

“It’s a journey. We’ve only been with him for two months or so, so it’s very new, and he even understands that it’s different to what we’re used to, so it’s going to take time to adjust.

“It’s good that we’ve been able to put in performances that we can take positives from, but of course, you always want to improve.”

Calvin Bassey of Fulham. Copyright: ImagoxNewsxImagesx

A trip to Anfield is scheduled for tomorrow, and with the past three results between both sides yielding a total of 11 goals, Bassey knows there's a huge task before his teammates.

“It’s not going to be easy. You know what’s coming when you play Liverpool; they have top players.

“It’s just about doing our homework and seeing how we can hurt them.

“We talk with the manager about everything that might not have worked, and try and go into every game understanding more what he wants from us individually as players.

“He’ll set us up in the right way to tackle Liverpool.”

Bassey reveals special role with Josh King

Bassey also spoke about Fulham youngster Josh King, who has made an impressive start to the campaign despite the team’s poor results.

King opened his Premier League account against Crystal Palace, putting Fulham ahead after just 11 minutes before Palacios restored their lead shortly before half-time.

Raul Jimenez celebrates with Josh King. Copyright: ImagoxMIxNewsx

Bassey revealed that King’s mother has given him permission to keep the youngster in check as he continues to develop at Craven Cottage.

“His mum has told me to look after him, so I know I can stick it on him now if he gets too big for his boots!” Bassey joked.

“I always looked after him anyway, but I got the green light so it’s even better now.”

“I’m so happy for him – he works hard and he is always on the pitch after training practising,” Bassey said.

“He is a player we need,” Calvin Bassey concluded.

For now, Bassey’s focus will be on helping Fulham turn their promising moments into results as Arbeloa looks for his first Premier League points as the club’s manager.

Akor Adams and Calvin Bassey celebrate a goal during the AFCON match between Algeria and Nigeria. Photo by Segun OgunfeyitimixImago

Despite the difficult start, the Nigerian defender appears determined to use his new leadership role to help his teammates through the early struggles.