Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has said it is important that his players believe in the team’s style of play following reports that several members of the squad have been left unconvinced by the Spaniard’s methods.
As Standard Sport reported earlier in the week, Arbeloa is under increasing pressure to turn things around after failing to win any of his first six Premier League games.
Pressure mounts after Ipswich defeat
Last weekend’s stoppage-time defeat to Ipswich, in which Fulham led until the 88th minute, has left Arbeloa on the brink of the sack, and Saturday’s clash at home to newly promoted Hull City is seen as a must-win.
Fail to beat Hull, and Arbeloa could be relieved of his duties just three months after taking over from Marco Silva in July.
Fulham are rock bottom of the Premier League after taking just two points from their opening six league games, with Arbeloa facing criticism for his expansive style of play and naive substitutions.
Dressing room doubts
Some of that criticism is reported to have come from inside his own dressing room, with Arbeloa accused of changing too much too soon after five years of stability under Silva.
It is imperative that Arbeloa gets his team on side ahead of a crucial weekend at the bottom of the table, and he admits that his squad must believe in the style of play he is trying to introduce if they are to turn things around.
“When you feel a little bit under pressure, and you score, seeing the victory is so close, you don't want to make any mistakes,” Arbeloa said in his pre-match press conference on Friday morning.
“We need to keep doing the same things we were doing before we scored the goal. It's very important they believe in our style, the way we play and train. You cannot control how your opponents react, but you can control what you do.”
Late-game struggles
Fulham have conceded in the final 15 minutes in four of their six league matches so far this season and have dropped eight points from winning positions - the joint second most of any team in the Premier League behind Bournemouth.
Their ball-dominant style has helped them create chances, but it has also left them vulnerable at the back, and Arbeloa admits his side needs to improve their concentration.
“We need to try and keep that level for 90 minutes. They are so focused on tomorrow's game,” Arbeloa continued.
“It's not about my future. It's about the club, the players and getting the win for the supporters.”
