Former Fulham coach Javier Pereira believes Álvaro Arbeloa will be given more time to turn the club's fortunes around despite a disappointing start to the Premier League season.
Fulham sit bottom of the table with just two points from six matches and are still searching for their first league victory under the former Real Madrid coach.
However, Pereira insists the club's long-term investment in Arbeloa makes an early managerial change unlikely.
Pereira backs Fulham to stand by Arbeloa
Arbeloa replaced Marco Silva in June after the Portuguese manager departed for Benfica following five years at Craven Cottage.
Fulham subsequently invested more than €100million in seven summer signings, including three players familiar to Arbeloa from Real Madrid.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, Pereira suggested the club's recruitment strategy demonstrates its commitment to the new manager.
"The start hasn't been good. They're bottom of the table, and doubts are starting to surface," Pereira said.
"The manager's responsibility is there, but I don't think Fulham only signed Arbeloa for six or seven games."
Pereira highlighted the arrivals of Gonzalo, Palacios and Manuel Ángel as evidence of a longer-term project.
He also warned that adapting to the Premier League could take time for the younger recruits.
Fulham urged to make changes before Hull clash
Despite supporting Arbeloa, Pereira believes tactical adjustments are necessary if Fulham are to escape the relegation zone.
He pointed to encouraging draws against Liverpool and Manchester United but questioned the team's management of important moments against direct rivals.
Pereira suggested Arbeloa should consider relying more heavily on experienced Premier League players, including Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Joachim Andersen, Rodrigo Muniz and Sander Berge.
"I wouldn't think about Coventry; I'd approach the match against Hull like a final… and I think something has to change," he said.
The former Fulham coach believes those adjustments could help the squad rediscover the consistency established during Silva's tenure.
Key Points
- Fulham are bottom of the Premier League with two points from six matches.
- Javier Pereira believes Álvaro Arbeloa deserves more time.
- Fulham spent over €100million on seven summer signings.
- Pereira wants the manager to make changes and trust experienced players.
- Upcoming fixtures against Hull City and Coventry City could prove important.
What's Next?
Fulham face newly promoted Hull City before taking on Coventry City in their next two Premier League matches.
Pereira believes the Hull fixture should be treated as a must-win opportunity, with Arbeloa under pressure to deliver his first league victory.
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