‘Not about me’ – Arbeloa dismisses future questions

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‘Not about me’ – Arbeloa dismisses future questions

Alvaro ArbeloaImage source, Getty Images
ByLorraine McKenna

BBC Sport Journalist
  • Published

Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa says the focus should not be on him as his side searches for a first Premier League win of the season this weekend.

The club are bottom of the table on two points after four defeats and two draws in their opening six league games of the campaign.

And as a result, the 43-year-old Spaniard is under increasing pressure as Fulham prepare to face Hull City at Craven Cottage at 15:00 BST on Saturday.

Despite reports suggesting another defeat could mean he loses 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 close to securing a first win of the campaign against Ipswich Town last weekend before they were undone by two late goals at Portman Road.

Against Manchester United before the international break, they had also looked set to take the three points, only for a last-gasp Matheus Cunha deflected goal to deny them victory.

“It is not about my future. Like I said before, it is about the club and my players,” said Arbeloa.

“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.

But Arbeloa’s tenure in English football has so far been disappointing, although his side have reached the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, with their home tie against Crystal Palace taking place this month.

Asked whether he is confident he has the backing of the players to execute his plans, he 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.”

Arbeloa added: “I saw the commitment of the players in how they have been training. They are so focused on tomorrow’s game.”

If he survives the test against Hull, Arbeloa will face his third promoted side in a row, as Fulham travel to Championship winners Coventry City in the league next weekend.

Arbeloa facing potential pivotal weekend – analysis

By

Senior football correspondent

There is no escaping that Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa faces a potentially pivotal weekend.

Just six Premier League games into his reign, doubts are emerging about his position.

His methods haven’t gone down particularly well with the squad.

And his treatment of certain players, too, has caused surprise from within the playing staff.

But it is results that will ultimately determine Arbeloa’s future.

He is without a win in the league and Fulham currently sit bottom of the table with two points.

The club’s director of football operations Tony Khan is understandably desperate for the appointment to be a success.

Arbeloa was somewhat of a left-field choice, but for a handful of games in interim charge of Real Madrid following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso he has no real body of work.

It was a gamble, but one Fulham and Khan believed was worth taking.

It hasn’t gone according to plan and another poor result against Hull on Saturday will leave Arbeloa’s position under heavy internal scrutiny.

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