Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has insisted the attention surrounding his club should be directed at the players and supporters — not at him — as the side prepares for a crucial Premier League fixture against Hull City at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Fulham sit bottom of the Premier League table with just two points from six games — four defeats and two draws — and a second consecutive home defeat could intensify pressure on the 43-year-old Spaniard, whose future has become the subject of widespread speculation.

"It is not about me, it is about the club, the players and the supporters," Arbeloa said. "It is not about my future. It is about the club and my players. They are looking for the reward and looking for a game where they can get a win for the supporters — they deserve it because of their support."

Heartbreak against Ipswich and Manchester United

Fulham's struggles have been as much about missed opportunities as poor performances. Against Ipswich Town last weekend, Ryan Sessegnon's second-half strike had put the hosts 1-0 ahead and within reach of a first league win, only for two late goals at Portman Road to snatch it away.

Earlier in the campaign, Fulham also looked set to defeat Manchester United before a last-gasp deflected goal from Matheus Cunha denied them the three points. A goalless draw at Anfield against Liverpool was the other result Arbeloa pointed to as evidence of his side's ability to compete.

"For me, we need to try to keep that level for 90 minutes," he said. "I saw the commitment of the players in how they have been training. They are so focused on tomorrow's game."

Scrutiny on Arbeloa's position

Arbeloa arrived at Fulham in the summer on a three-year deal, replacing former boss Marco Silva after a short stint as Real Madrid's interim head coach. The ex-Liverpool full-back was backed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and returning head coach Jose Mourinho — under whom he played during his time at the Spanish club.

The appointment was considered a bold one, given that Arbeloa's only top-level managerial experience had come in a brief interim role at Real Madrid following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. Fulham director of football operations Tony Khan backed the gamble, but the results have not arrived.

Reports suggest another defeat against Hull on Saturday could place Arbeloa's position under heavy internal scrutiny. His methods are said to have unsettled parts of the squad, and his handling of certain players has also raised eyebrows within the dressing room.

Fulham have, however, reached the last 16 of the Carabao Cup — a home tie against Crystal Palace is scheduled this month — offering some respite amid the league struggles. Should Arbeloa survive Saturday, he will then face a third consecutive promoted side as Fulham travel to Championship winners Coventry City the following weekend.