Arbeloa urges club focus ahead of must‑win Hull clash

Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa enters the weekend with a must‑win against Hull City as his side sit bottom of the Premier League on just two points after six matches. The 43‑year‑old Spaniard, who signed a three‑year deal in July to replace Marco Silva, has seen his squad lose four games and draw twice. Arbeloa told reporters that the spotlight should be on the club, its players and supporters rather than his own job security, describing the past week as normal despite speculation about his future. Fulham led Ipswich Town through a Ryan Sessegnon second‑half strike but conceded two late goals at Portman Road, and they also dropped points against Manchester United when a Matheus Cunha deflection stopped a late winner. The team has reached the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, with a home tie against Crystal Palace scheduled later this month. Arbeloa said he sees strong commitment in training and believes the players can maintain a full‑match level for 90 minutes. Director of football operations Tony Khan is keen for the appointment to succeed, and a poor result at Craven Cottage would intensify internal scrutiny. A win would give Fulham their first league victory and a chance to face another promoted side, Coventry City, the following week.

Context

Both Fulham and Hull City are newly promoted clubs aiming to avoid early‑season relegation battles, making this fixture a crucial test for their survival hopes.