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. 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 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 close to a first win against Ipswich Town last weekend, before two late goals at Portman Road undid them. Against Manchester United before the international break, they also looked set to take three points, only for a last-gasp Matheus Cunha deflected goal to deny them victory. "It is not about my future," said Arbeloa. "It is about the club and my players. They are looking for the reward and a game where they can get a win for the supporters, they deserve it because of their support."
Arbeloa arrived in the summer on a three-year contract to replace Marco Silva, following a short spell as Real Madrid's interim head coach. He joined with glowing references from Madrid president Florentino Perez and Jose Mourinho. His tenure in English football has so far been disappointing, although Fulham have reached the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, where they host Crystal Palace this month. Asked whether the players back his plans, he pointed to their efforts against Ipswich, Manchester United and Liverpool, adding that the key is keeping that level for 90 minutes.
If he survives the test against Hull, Arbeloa will face his third promoted side in a row when Fulham travel to Championship winners Coventry City next weekend. Doubts are growing over his position, with his methods reportedly unpopular in the squad. Ultimately, results will decide his future, and Fulham's director of football operations Tony Khan remains desperate for the appointment to succeed.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing