Arbeloa under pressure at Fulham, with two matches to save his job

Álvaro Arbeloa is at risk of losing his job as Fulham manager after three months in charge. The London club has made a disastrous start to the Premier League season and sits near the bottom of the table. The Sun has reported that Fulham’s management has given the Spanish coach two matches to turn things around, with positive results in both presented as essential to avoiding dismissal.

The pressure increased after the 1-2 defeat to Ipswich Town. Fulham had taken the lead but conceded a decisive goal in the closing minutes, dropping towards the bottom of the table and to within two points of the safety zone.

Arbeloa took charge last summer after Marco Silva declined to renew his contract and left to coach Benfica. Despite the growing discussion about his future, Arbeloa said he was not worried about his job. “I never worry about my job and I am not afraid. You cannot be a coach if you are afraid,” he said. He also stressed that the club’s situation mattered more than his own position: “It is not about my job, but about the situation at Fulham, and that is the most important thing. It is true that we have played only six matches, but we need points.”

Fulham are due to face Hull City next Saturday, followed by Coventry. Arbeloa has yet to win any of his first six Premier League matches this season. The results of the next two fixtures appear pivotal to his future, and a continued downturn could prompt the management to end his tenure early.