Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed confidence in Fulham’s ability to move forward despite the departure of long-serving manager Marco Silva.
Silva recently brought his five-year spell at Craven Cottage to an end after agreeing to take charge of Portuguese giants Benfica. His exit marks the end of a successful era for the West London club, having guided Fulham from the Championship back to the Premier League and established them as a competitive top-flight side.
During Silva’s tenure, Iwobi became one of Fulham’s most influential players. The Nigerian international enjoyed arguably the best season of his career, setting personal records while cementing his place as a key figure in the squad.
The managerial vacancy has naturally sparked speculation over who will take charge ahead of the new campaign. Former Real Madrid youth coach Álvaro Arbeloa has emerged as a leading candidate, while ex-Chelsea and Everton manager Frank Lampard has also been linked with the role following his impressive work in the Championship.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the dugout, Iwobi insists the players are focused on preparing for the new season and are ready to adapt to whoever is appointed.
“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.”
The 30-year-old has previously credited Lampard for helping him rediscover his confidence during their time together at Everton. As a result, reports linking the former England midfielder with the Fulham job have generated plenty of interest among supporters.
However, Iwobi believes the identity of the next manager is less important than finding someone capable of driving the club forward and building on the foundations left behind by Silva.
“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.
“Obviously when we got told that Marco was leaving, I was active.
“Thinking, ‘Oh no, who are we going to get in next?‘
“But ever since then, it’s been pretty quiet.”
Fulham narrowly missed out on European qualification last season, falling agonisingly short in the race for continental football. With a new manager expected to arrive soon, the club’s hierarchy will be hoping the next appointment can build on Silva’s achievements and push the Cottagers closer to their long-term ambitions.
For Iwobi and his teammates, the focus remains unchanged: stay prepared, embrace the transition, and ensure Fulham are ready to compete regardless of who occupies the manager’s seat when the new season begins.
