Former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa is under increasing pressure at Fulham after a winless start to the Premier League season left the club rooted to the bottom of the table.
The Spaniard has managed just two points from his opening six matches, despite respectable draws against Liverpool and Manchester United.
A damaging 2-1 stoppage-time defeat to Ipswich Town last weekend has further intensified scrutiny, with reports also suggesting tensions between Arbeloa and several senior players.
Arbeloa fumed at suggestions that he cannot handle the pressure after Fulham’s 2-1 defeat at Ipswich. Arbeloa said. “I don’t feel fear. You cannot be a coach if you feel it.
“You have to work, take the decision and you need to show confidence to your players. For me I am so happy with many things that they are doing. I know it is not easy for them.
“It’s not about my position, it is about Fulham’s position. That is the most important thing. Obviously it is just six games, but it is true we need points.”
Arbeloa added: “Me? No, maybe you don’t know me but I played for the best team in world. I have coached the best team in the world. Maybe you don’t know, but just to let you know, that pressure is part of my life since I was a kid. So, it is normal in football.
“It is normal for players, it is normal for coaches and everybody that is around a team. I think pressure is something that is important for me and I like it.”
Fulham’s next two fixtures could prove crucial to his future, beginning with Saturday’s home clash against newly promoted Hull City, followed by a trip to Coventry City. Failure to secure positive results could put his position in further jeopardy ahead of the November international break.
According to talkSPORT, Thomas Frank is a leading contender to replace Arbeloa should Fulham decide to part ways with their current manager. Frank has been out of work since being sacked by Tottenham in February and would command a substantial salary.
Another potential option is former Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, who was high on Fulham’s shortlist before they appointed Arbeloa. Frank was also on Fulham’s radar during the summer following Marco Silva’s departure to Benfica.
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