Hugo Larsson backs Álvaro Arbeloa to turn Fulham’s difficult start around

Hugo Larsson insists Fulham’s poor start under Álvaro Arbeloa has not changed his belief that he made the right decision by moving to Craven Cottage.

The Sweden international arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt late in the summer window on an initial loan, but the deal has already become permanent after an easily achievable clause was triggered by his first competitive appearance.

Larsson has played four times for Fulham so far but is still waiting for his first Premier League start as Arbeloa’s side search for their first league victory of the season.

Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, Larsson confirmed he had been looking for a new challenge after his time in Germany.

“When Fulham came into the picture, it was a no-brainer; I wanted to go there immediately,” the 22-year-old said.

Larsson described moving to the Premier League and Fulham as one of the highlights of his summer, while also thanking Frankfurt for helping facilitate the transfer.

His permanent clause was particularly straightforward. Larsson explained that Frankfurt were accommodating and that the condition was designed to make an agreement between the clubs possible.

The midfielder has accumulated around 100 minutes across four appearances, including 63 minutes in Fulham's 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham.

Despite his limited Premier League involvement, Larsson remains confident that greater opportunities will arrive.

“Slowly but surely, I’ll earn my spot,” he said.

Fulham's wider situation has been more difficult.

Arbeloa's side have taken only two points from their opening five Premier League matches, leaving them inside the bottom three heading into the international break.

Larsson, however, believes performances have been better than the results suggest.

“He’s talented, tactically astute, and has a great feel for managing the squad,” Larsson said of Arbeloa.

“We all enjoy working with him; results haven’t gone our way yet, of course.”

The Swedish midfielder added that Fulham are playing good football and believes improved results are inevitable if they maintain their current approach.

“I believe it’s only a matter of time before the results come.”

Larsson will hope to build on his limited early minutes and establish himself in Arbeloa's Premier League starting XI after the international break.

Fulham also need results quickly, but Larsson's comments suggest the players remain convinced by their manager's methods despite a difficult opening five matches.