Alvaro Arbeloa's future as Fulham head coach is hanging in the balance after the club dropped to the bottom of the Premier League table following a 2-1 defeat by Ipswich. Still winless after six league games, Arbeloa is under increasing pressure to turn results around, and failure to get points against newly-promoted Hull and Coventry in the next two matches could end the Spaniard's time at Craven Cottage.
Defiant message after late defeat
Speaking after Fulham's stoppage-time loss at Portman Road, where they led until the 88th minute, Arbeloa insisted he was not worried about being sacked, though he admitted his side must start picking up more points.
"I never worry about my position," 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."
Late goals and defensive concerns
Fulham went into the three-week international break with momentum after credible draws against Liverpool and Manchester United gave Arbeloa cause for optimism. The extended break appears to have done them no favours, though, and the defeat by Ipswich raised familiar concerns as they yet again conceded late to squander all three points.
Fulham have conceded in the final 15 minutes in four of their six league matches this season, and Arbeloa's substitutions have drawn criticism, with the former Real Madrid boss neglecting to bring on any fresh defenders as they looked to see out a win against Ipswich.
Responsibility and backing
With a squad built in his image and an expansive but defensively vulnerable style of play, the responsibility for Fulham's issues this season falls almost exclusively on Arbeloa. The 43-year-old has been backed heavily by the club's ownership, which could buy him time, but it seems increasingly that Arbeloa has tried to change too much too soon after five years of solidity under Marco Silva, whom he replaced just three months ago.
