Arbeloa downplays questions over future ahead of Fulham v Hull
Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa dismissed questions about his future as his side prepare for their Premier League match against Hull City at Craven Cottage at 15:00 BST on Saturday. Arbeloa joined Fulham as head coach on a three-year deal in July.
The club sit bottom of the table on two points after four defeats and two draws from their opening six league games and are still seeking a first Premier League win of the season. The 43-year-old Spaniard is facing increasing pressure amid reports that another defeat could cost him his job; Arbeloa said it had "been a normal week" for him. "It is not about me, it is about the club, the players and the supporters," he added.
Fulham were 1-0 up through Ryan Sessegnon's second-half strike and looked set to claim a first win of the campaign against Ipswich Town last weekend before they were undone by two late goals at Portman Road. Before the international break they had also appeared likely to take three points against Manchester United until a last-gasp Matheus Cunha deflected goal denied them victory.
Arbeloa addressed questions over his future directly, saying: "It is not about my future. Like I said before, it is about the club and my players." He added: "They are looking for the reward and looking for a game where they can get a win for the supporters, they deserve it because of their support. It is important for all of us."
Arbeloa arrived at Fulham in the summer on a three-year contract to replace former boss Marco Silva, following his short spell as Real Madrid's interim head coach. The ex-Liverpool full-back joined with glowing references from Madrid president Florentino Perez and returning head coach Jose Mourinho, who he played for during his time with the Spanish club.
Although his tenure in English football has so far been disappointing, Fulham have reached the last 16 of the Carabao Cup and have a home tie against Crystal Palace scheduled this month. Asked whether he is confident he has the backing of the players to carry out his plans, Arbeloa said: "They did for many minutes against Ipswich. We did against Manchester United and we did against Liverpool (in their 0-0 draw at Anfield). For me, we need to try to keep that level for 90 minutes, that is important." He added: "I saw the commitment of the players in how they have been training. They are so focused on tomorrow's game."
There are growing doubts about Arbeloa's position after six league fixtures, with criticism reported over his methods and treatment of certain players within the squad. The club's director of football operations Tony Khan is described as desperate for the appointment to be a success; Arbeloa was regarded as something of a left-field choice and, after only a handful of interim matches in charge of Real Madrid following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, he has no real body of work. The move was a gamble, and it "hasn't gone according to plan" — another poor result against Hull on Saturday will leave his position under heavy internal scrutiny.
If Arbeloa survives Saturday's test, Fulham travel to Championship winners Coventry City in the league next weekend.
