Arbeloa: 'Not about me' as Fulham Chase First Win Against Hull

Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed questions about his future, insisting the focus must be on Fulham's players and supporters as the bottom-of-the-table side host Hull City at Craven Cottage on Saturday. The head coach is under increasing pressure after six Premier League games without a win.

  • Fixture: Fulham vs Hull City, Premier League
  • Venue: Craven Cottage
  • Kick-off: 15:00 BST, Saturday
  • Fulham's record: Bottom of the table, two points from six games (four defeats, two draws)
  • At stake: Arbeloa's position, with reports suggesting another defeat could mean he loses his job

What was said

"It is not about me, it is about the club, the players and the supporters."

— Alvaro Arbeloa, Fulham head coach

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

— Arbeloa on his position

"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."

— Arbeloa on his squad's motivation

"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 on whether he retains the players' backing

"I saw the commitment of the players in how they have been training. They are so focused on tomorrow's game."

— Arbeloa on preparations for Hull

"It is not about me... it is about the club, my players and the supporters."

— Arbeloa reiterating his message

Arbeloa's refusal to entertain talk about his own position is deliberate. He arrived at Fulham in the summer on a three-year contract to replace Marco Silva, following a short spell as Real Madrid's interim head coach after the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The 43-year-old Spaniard 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. The ex-Liverpool full-back has found English football difficult so far, and he knows that only results will quiet the noise around his job.

His public stance is that belief remains intact. Fulham were 1-0 up through Ryan Sessegnon's second-half strike and close to a first win of the campaign against Ipswich Town last weekend before two late goals at Portman Road turned the game. Against Manchester United before the international break, they looked set to take three points until a last-gasp Matheus Cunha deflected goal denied them victory. Arbeloa sees those performances as evidence the players are still executing his plans, even if the table tells a different story.

The numbers

  • Points: Two from six Premier League games
  • Record: Four defeats, two draws
  • Position: Bottom of the table
  • Arbeloa's contract: Three-year deal signed in the summer
  • Carabao Cup: Reached the last 16, with a home tie against Crystal Palace this month

Why Arbeloa believes the players are still with him

Ryan Sessegnon's goal at Ipswich showed Fulham can take the lead in matches, but the late collapses against both Ipswich and Manchester United point to a concentration problem rather than a tactical collapse. Arbeloa's argument that the side performed for "many minutes" is backed by the scorelines — Fulham have been in winning positions, not outclassed. The 0-0 draw at Anfield against Liverpool also supports his case that the group can defend a structure against elite opposition.

The problem is the 90-minute demand. A team that has led in games and still sits on two points cannot keep pointing to promising spells. Against Hull, a promoted side, the expectation is that Fulham dominate possession and turn control into goals. Matheus Cunha's deflected winner for Manchester United and Ipswich's late double are the moments that have defined the season so far, and Arbeloa needs his players to manage those final minutes far better.

Should he survive Hull, Arbeloa then faces his third promoted side in a row, with Fulham travelling to Championship winners Coventry City next weekend. Two matches against newly promoted opposition represent the clearest opportunity of the season to collect points — and the riskiest stretch for his tenure if they do not.

Talking points

  • Fulham have led in matches against Ipswich and Manchester United and still have two points — the issue is game management, not just quality.
  • Arbeloa's methods and treatment of certain players have caused surprise within the squad, yet the players have not publicly wavered.
  • Tony Khan's gamble on a left-field appointment is under real scrutiny — another poor result will invite internal questions about the process.
  • The Carabao Cup run to the last 16 proves the squad can win matches; the league table remains the only measure that matters.

What happens next

Fulham host Hull City at Craven Cottage at 15:00 BST on Saturday. Anything other than a first Premier League win will leave Arbeloa's position under heavy internal scrutiny, with a trip to Coventry City following immediately. The club's director of football operations, Tony Khan, is desperate for the appointment to succeed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Arbeloa under pressure at Fulham?

Yes. Reports suggest another defeat could mean he loses his job, with Fulham bottom of the Premier League on two points after six games.

What time do Fulham play Hull City?

Fulham face Hull City at Craven Cottage at 15:00 BST on Saturday.

How long is Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham contract?

Arbeloa arrived in the summer on a three-year contract to replace Marco Silva.

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