Alvaro Arbeloa Becomes Leading Sack Candidate as Fulham's Potential Successors Are Reviewed

Alvaro Arbeloa's managerial career at Fulham already appears to be in serious danger. Three defeats in three matches, combined with a loss of dressing-room trust, could make the Spaniard the first Premier League manager to be dismissed this season.

A high-risk appointment heading toward a predictable outcome

Fulham's appointment this summer was considered a high-risk move from the beginning. Arbeloa's only previous managerial experience was at Real Madrid, where he was made a scapegoat, and he has now failed to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, making his departure appear to be only a matter of time. So who could take over the Fulham job, which is not exactly an unattractive position? The following six candidates are worth watching.

Slot: An unlikely choice

This option appears unlikely, and could even be described as almost impossible. Slot previously rejected an invitation from the Netherlands national team, indicating that he prefers to remain in club football. However, the step down from being a Premier League title-winning manager to taking charge of a mid-table side may not appeal to him. In addition, questions have long existed about Slot's tactical flexibility, with criticism during his Liverpool tenure that he lacked a Plan B. Fulham specifically need that flexibility, because the team can shift from favorites to underdogs every week.

Dyche: Returning to his firefighting specialty

Dyche has become the Premier League's go-to firefighter after replacing Allardyce as the manager clubs think of first when things are falling apart. How much more time Fulham give Arbeloa will directly affect the possibility of Dyche receiving a call. But does the coach, who now creates short videos, still have the ability to win in the Premier League? He won 10 of his 15 matches in charge of Nottingham Forest, which was not a poor record considering the situation he inherited; however, at Everton, he lost more matches than he won. He is not the most attractive choice and does not quite fit the cheese platters and hot-tub atmosphere of Craven Cottage, but when the financial abyss caused by relegation is approaching, there is little room to be selective.

Nagelsmann: Rebuilding his reputation in a comfortable environment

The young German coach urgently needs a place to rebuild his reputation after disappointing experiences with Bayern and the national team, and Fulham's pleasant environment could be a suitable fit. In terms of job stature, this would be a step down from his previous two roles, but it is exactly the type of project he has handled well in the past. His experiences at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig showed his ability to develop players, and he only struggled under expectations after receiving Bayern's huge budget. His preferred high-pressing style would be welcomed by a club that values both winning and entertainment.

Howe: The next choice would be interesting

Eddie Howe's next job would be fascinating because his performances at top clubs have not completely proven that he is ready, while he has also shown the ability to manage teams above the mid-table level. For Fulham, Howe has proven at both Bournemouth and Newcastle that he can build a project; the question is whether he wants to do it again or would rather take charge of an established winning team. In terms of style, Howe is similar to Silva, as both are good at helping teams perform beyond their perceived level.