Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed speculation about his future at Fulham, insisting that the focus should remain on the club, its players and the supporters as the team prepares for a crucial Premier League match against Hull City this Saturday. The 43‑year‑old Spaniard, who signed a three‑year contract in July to replace Marco Silva, has yet to secure a league victory and the club sit at the bottom of the table with only two points from six games.
Fulham’s start to the campaign has been bleak, with four defeats and two draws leaving the club in last place. The club’s most recent outing saw them lead 1‑0 through a second‑half strike by Ryan Sessegnon, only to be undone by two late goals at Portman Road. A week earlier, the team had looked poised to win against Ipswich Town before conceding a late equaliser. Their brief visit to Manchester United before the international break ended in a 0‑0 draw, with a last‑gasp deflected goal from Matheus Cunha denying the hosts a win. Despite these setbacks, Arbeloa has maintained that the pressure is not personal but collective.
“I’m not thinking about myself; it’s about the club, the players and the supporters,” Arbeloa told reporters. “They deserve a win for the fans, and that’s what matters.” He added that the team’s recent performances against Ipswich, Manchester United and Liverpool (the latter ending in a 0‑0 draw at Anfield) showed the players’ commitment and that maintaining that level for 90 minutes is essential. He praised the squad’s training focus and expressed confidence that they would give their all in the upcoming game.
Arbeloa’s appointment came after a brief stint as Real Madrid’s interim head coach, a move backed by Madrid president Florentino Pérez and former manager José Mourinho. Although his tenure in English football has been uneven, Fulham have reached the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, with a home tie against Crystal Palace scheduled for later this month. The club’s director of football operations, Tony Khan, has expressed optimism about the appointment, but the lack of a league win has raised doubts about Arbeloa’s future.
If Fulham can avoid defeat against Hull, Arbeloa will face another promoted side next week as the team travels to Coventry City, the Championship champions. The result will be pivotal, as the club’s position at the bottom of the table and the absence of a Premier League win put increasing scrutiny on the Spaniard’s coaching methods and his relationship with the squad. The outcome of Saturday’s match will determine whether the club can continue to support Arbeloa or if a change in leadership may be on the horizon.