Arbeloa on Garcia, transfers and togetherness

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Carabao Cup second round fixture against AFC Wimbledon at Craven Cottage (kick-off 20:00 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: He is encouraged by the "character and personality" his players showed in their Premier League opener. The 3-2 defeat "obviously wasn't the best start", but he added: "I don't know how many other teams will be able to dominate Chelsea like we did." On how the Cottagers kept themselves in the game: "Obviously conceding so early in those circumstances isn't easy but, when we started to control the second balls, we started to control the game and play in the opposite half. Ideally, we want to dominate with the ball and control the counter-attacks, while attacking and creating chances." It "wasn't an easy" introduction for Gonzalo Garcia, who signed a reported £34m deal this summer, but the forward "did an amazing job" to get on the scoresheet. Arbeloa added: "The defenders are allowed to make more contact with the strikers in the Premier League than in La Liga, but his strengths are running and protecting the ball - and, most importantly, he can score goals. I'm so happy for him, I know he will do many good things for us this season." Fellow summer signing Cesar Palacios also has the "talent, ambition, character and personality" to succeed in the Premier League. On his own experience of playing in the English top-flight, having played for Liverpool and West Ham United , Arbeloa said: "I was also young when I first arrived. The first few weeks weren't easy because everything was a little bit different. They will both need a bit of time to adjust, it is normal." With players such as Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey and Ryan Sessegnon already at Craven Cottage, Arbeloa says the aim has been to craft the "perfect mix" of youth and experience within the squad. Arbeloa says he is "so happy" with his current squad but added: "I was with the owners last weekend and I can say they are fully committed to the project. We discussed making our squad a little bit stronger and more balanced before the window closes. We know there is room to improve." On maintaining a happy dressing room this season: "For me, that is the most important thing. We are a team and we need to remain a team. Football isn't just about titles or money, it is about being part of something that is bigger than yourself. I would say being part of a team is the most beautiful thing in football." Follow all of Thursday's Carabao Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news Got a question about Fulham? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts [BBC]