In west London, Fulham’s difficult opening has placed Álvaro Arbeloa under growing pressure. The former Real Madrid coach has collected only two points with the club bottom of the Premier League table, and unease is said to extend beyond the boardroom.
The news from the club
Senior figures at Fulham are understood to be questioning whether Arbeloa has sufficient experience for the demands of managing in the Premier League. There is a belief among some decision-makers that appointing him may have been a mistake.
The concerns are not limited to the hierarchy. Members of the squad are also reported to have doubts about the coach’s approach, particularly the attacking emphasis adopted by the team.
Players believe that Fulham’s desire to push forward has left them exposed at the back. Late goals conceded have cost the side points, with the balance between attacking ambition and defensive security becoming a central issue during the poor start.
There are also complaints over the standard of training. Some players have reportedly told the media that sessions have fallen well short of those conducted under Marco Silva, Fulham’s previous manager.
For Arbeloa, the immediate task is to turn a two-point return into results before internal frustration hardens into a wider decision about his future at Craven Cottage.
