Arbeloa responds to dismissal rumours before a decisive test

Álvaro Arbeloa has responded to reports suggesting he could be dismissed, with a test described as decisive for his future at Fulham approaching. The Spanish coach played down the rumours as the club’s Premier League results add to the pressure on him.

As mid-October approaches, Fulham have collected only two points from a possible 18 in the league, have yet to win and sit bottom of the table. The club are two points from the safety zone occupied by Sunderland. Despite progressing through two rounds of the League Cup, their league results have put Arbeloa’s position under considerable strain.

The coach said his attention was on the upcoming match and his squad. “Rumours? No. I’m focused on tomorrow’s match, on my team’s players and on my team in general. That’s what matters most. It’s not about me, but the club and the supporters,” he said in remarks reported by Marca.

Asked whether he had sought clarification from Fulham’s management about his future, particularly after reports of a dressing-room rebellion, Arbeloa denied making such a request and said preparations were proceeding normally. He also described a routine week of work: “No, we’ve had a normal week, during which we’ve worked hard. We’re preparing for a difficult match against a strong team. It’s one more week for me.”