Arbeloa says Smith-Rowe frustration ‘normal’ as Fulham boss urges patience

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has told Emile Smith-Rowe that he must remain patient in his pursuit of more game time.

The midfielder has struggled for minutes of late and was left out of the squad completely in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

Arbeloa has acknowledged his frustration but insists competition for places makes it difficult to give everyone the opportunities they want.

“I think when you’re not playing and you’re a player like Emile, you can’t be happy, and I think that is normal as for many players who are not getting the minutes that they want,” Arbeloa said.

“But this is a situation that in football is normal. You need to come here every day to do your best and wait for your opportunity because, for me, as a team, we are performing well.

“Of course when you are not winning games it’s because you are making mistakes and you need to improve and learn from your mistakes but Emile is doing a good job, he has to be patient, to work hard as he is doing.

“I have very good players and I can only choose 11.”