Arbeloa given two games to save his job as Fulham sit bottom after six matches

Alvaro Arbeloa is fighting to keep his job at Fulham after the club’s hierarchy reportedly gave the 43-year-old just two matches to turn around a winless start to the Premier League season, according to The Standard.

Fulham sit bottom of the table after six games, having lost four and drawn twice. Their latest setback came on Saturday at Portman Road, where they led Ipswich Town 1-0 until the 88th minute before conceding twice in stoppage time to lose 2-1 — a result that intensified calls for change at Craven Cottage.

Arbeloa was appointed in July after predecessor Marco Silva declined a contract extension to join Benfica. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid right-back had most recently been in charge of Real Madrid, where he took over following Xabi Alonso’s departure, but left the club at the end of a trophyless campaign.

The pressure has been building for several weeks. Arbeloa was charged with misconduct by the Football Association after making comments about refereeing during last month’s draw against Manchester United. His tactical decisions — particularly his substitutions — and Fulham’s defensive fragility have drawn criticism, with the club conceding in the final 15 minutes of four of their six league matches.

Fulham’s next two fixtures are against newly promoted Hull and Coventry, both of whom have made encouraging starts to the season. Those games are now understood to represent a make-or-break window for Arbeloa’s tenure.

Speaking after the defeat at Ipswich, Arbeloa insisted he was not concerned about his position. “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,” he said.

“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.”