Arbeloa demands ‘better mentality’ after Fulham defeat

Alvaro Areloa felt Fulham needed to show a better attitude and mentality in their 1-0 loss to Sunderland.

The Whites failed to have a shot on target on Wearside in what was an uninspiring performance.

Fulham have started the new campaign with back-to-back league defeats – and the new head coach highlighted areas where his side need to improve.

He said: “It wasn’t our game for sure. We were far from our level.

“We talked at half-time that you can have some bad days, to come here in this stadium versus a European team, maybe have a bad day with the ball, like it was in the first half. But you need to put more energy, better attitude, better mentality.

“We improved during the first 20-25 minutes in the second half and then they hit the post and four minutes later the goal.

“So yes, we need to improve many things of our game for sure.

“The first thing we need to know is to have what it takes to win games, put more energy and, like I said, at the beginning, better mentality and attitude as a team, and yes, we need to demand more from ourselves.”

Fulham could be in for a busy couple of days ahead, with the transfer window closing on Tuesday.

They are looking to bring as many as four new players in.

“We are working with the club and we know that we have some days left, and yes we are working to improve the squad for sure,” said Arbeloa.