Alex Iwobi Confident of Adapting to New Fulham Manager After Marco Silva’s Departure to Benfica

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has moved to reassure supporters about the club’s direction following the confirmed departure of head coach Marco Silva, stating that adapting to a new managerial regime will not pose a significant challenge for him personally or for the squad.

Silva, who spent five years at Craven Cottage, has departed to take charge of Portuguese top-flight side Benfica on a two-year contract. His tenure ended on a narrow miss, with Fulham finishing just one point short of securing European qualification last season.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Iwobi drew on his previous experience of working under multiple managers to explain his measured outlook. “I can only go off my experience with the national team and at Everton,” the 30-year-old said. “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.”

Iwobi acknowledged that Silva’s exit initially caused concern within the dressing room, but indicated that the situation has since stabilised. “Obviously, when we got told that Marco was leaving, I was thinking, ‘Oh no, who are we going to get in next?’ But ever since then, it’s been pretty quiet,” he told talkSPORT.

Fulham’s search for Silva’s replacement is currently underway. Former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has reportedly been in discussions with the club, while Frank Lampard — who previously managed Iwobi during his time at Everton — has also been linked to the vacancy, according to reports.

Iwobi did not shy away from acknowledging his positive relationship with Lampard, a period widely credited with revitalising his career. “Of course, I’ve worked with Frank Lampard before, and he’s someone I really enjoyed working with,” he noted. “But I don’t really mind as long as the manager that comes in wants to help better the club. So whoever the manager is, we’re ready to work with them.”

During Silva’s five-year tenure, Iwobi established himself as one of Fulham’s most influential players. The former Arsenal academy graduate set a new Premier League record for the most appearances by a Nigerian player and recorded a personal best for goal involvements in a single top-flight season — markers of just how central he became to Silva’s system at Craven Cottage.

The Nigeria international, who recently earned his 100th cap for the Super Eagles, is contracted to Fulham until the summer of 2028, by which point he will be 32 years old. His long-term presence at the club provides a degree of continuity as Fulham navigate what will be their first significant managerial transition in half a decade.

The appointment of Silva’s successor will carry considerable weight, with Fulham aiming to go one step further than last season and secure European football — a target that will likely define the club’s ambitions heading into the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.