A Premier League manager’s job is at risk just six games into his tenure
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has reportedly been given two matches to save his job. The west London club find themselves bottom of the Premier League after six games played this season.
The Cottagers are still winless in the league, having lost four games and drawn twice. Their latest loss came on Saturday, with a 2-1 defeat at newly promoted Ipswich Town, who scored twice in the final minutes to prevent Arbeloa’s men from sealing their first three points of the campaign.
As a result, the Spaniard, 43, is already facing huge pressure to deliver results quickly. He was only appointed in July, heading into the Craven Cottage dugout after Marco Silva snubbed a new deal and opted to take the Benfica job.
But the former Liverpool and Real Madrid right-back is in serious danger of being the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season. The Standard reports that Arbeloa has been given just two games to save his job after a disastrous start to his tenure.
It is claimed that Fulham bosses are ready to pull the plug if he doesn’t start getting results quickly. Arbeloa will have the opportunity to do so against newly-promoted Hull and Coventry, who have both got off to a good start this term.
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The growing pressure on Arbeloa comes after he was charged with misconduct following last month’s draw against Manchester United, during which he made comments about the refereeing. His substitutions and defensive frailties in particular have been criticised, with Fulham conceding in the final 15 minutes of four of their Premier League matches.
Speaking after Fulham’s stoppage-time defeat 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 points.
He said: “I never worry about my position. 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.”
The former two-time Champions League and World Cup winner with Spain was in charge of Real Madrid last term, taking over after his former club and international team-mate Xabi Alonso left Los Blancos. However, he reached an agreement to leave the club after enduring a trophyless campaign with a squad filled with superstars.
