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Sunday Fulham Stuff (30/07/17)...

Started by WhiteJC, July 30, 2017, 07:31:24 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Tomas Kalas is convinced Fulham continuity will help promotion push

Tomas Kalas has insisted that the continuity of Fulham's squad helped to persuade him to return to Craven Cottage on loan from Chelsea.

The 24-year-old defender played a big role for Fulham last season, who were ultimately defeated by Reading in the Championship Play-Off semi-finals.

Manager Slavisa Jokanovic has mainly moved to improve Fulham's strength in depth this summer, with the new contracts for star performers Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney representing their most important business.

And Kalas - who returns to Craven Cottage on loan again after signing a new long-term Chelsea contract - told the club site: "I was hoping that the team wasn't going to get changed.

"Apart from Chris Martin and Scott Malone, the rest of the team are still the same so there is a hope and there is a belief that we did quite well last season and we should keep going like that and get better.

"Hopefully it will be true and we will prove to everyone that it wasn't just coincidence last season.

"I know everyone here and everyone knows me and I know the style that the manager prefers so it wasn't like I had to come straight away and as soon as I decided."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tomas-kalas-convinced-fulham-continuity-will-help-promotion-push-a3598846.html

WhiteJC

 
Exclusive: Millwall sign former Fulham and Manchester United midfielder


Ryan Tunnicliffe, Fulham.

Millwall have signed former Fulham and Manchester United midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe.

The 24-year-old was a free agent after leaving Fulham earlier this summer. He has signed a two-year contract at The Den.

Tunnicliffe spent the second half of last season on loan at Wigan Athletic, making eight appearances for the Latics.

In total he has played 142 Championship games and was capped 10 times at England under-17 level.

Tunnicliffe played just twice at senior level for Manchester United and was signed by Rene Meulensteen – one of his coaches at Old Trafford – in January 2014 when the Dutchman had a short spell in charge of Fulham, then a Premier League club.

The appointment of Felix Magath to the Craven Cottage hotseat saw Tunnicliffe and fellow former United youngster Larnell Cole both dropped out of the first-team picture.

His most regular playing time for Fulham came in the 2015-16 season, scoring a fine goal against Bristol City in a 4-1 victory at Ashton Gate and featuring 29 times in total.



https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/27764/exclusive-millwall-sign-former-fulham-manchester-united-midfielder/

WhiteJC

 
Changes To Phone Charges

Fans are advised that as of Tuesday 1st August, there will be a new local number to call in order to book tickets; 0203 871 0810. Individuals will only be charged a local rate connection when calling this number, as opposed to the premium rate advertised alongside the 0843 number.

The Club believes this change will be greatly beneficial to the fans, following feedback received on last season's call charges. Furthermore, should any hold times occur, fans will only be charged the local rate for that length of time.

Should fans still call the old 0843 number, we advise that they will still be charged at the old premium rate. The old 0843 number will also be phased out in due time. Therefore, the Club recommends fans utilise the new local rate number, 0203 871 0810.

Please note, however, there remains a transaction fee for ticket purchases over the phone and that will now be set at £2.50 per transaction from 1st August 2017 in line with the change to the Ticket Office telephone number. Note that, as before, there are no transaction fees when purchasing online or via the ticket window. Per ticket fees may still apply.

There are a number of ways fans can purchase tickets.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/july/29/changes-to-phone-charges


WhiteJC

 
Millwall snap up midfielder on free transfer


MILLWALL have completed their seventh permanent signing of the transfer window after snapping up former Fulham midfielder Ryan Tunicliffe.

Twenty-four-old Tunnicliffe has signed a two-year deal with the Lions after his release by the Cottagers this summer.

Tunnicliffe started his career with Manchester United where he made two substitute appearances in the League Cup.

He joined Fulham in 2014 and went to play 61 times, scoring two goals.

Tunnicliffe spent the latter part of last season with Wigan, his second loan spell at the club.

The midfielder was at The Den on Saturday, but won't feature in the final pre-season friendly this summer against Granada.

Image: Action Plus



https://www.newsatden.co.uk/63658-millwall-snap-up-midfielder-on-free-transfer.html

WhiteJC

 
U18: Fulham 2-4 Leyton Orient

Fulham lost 4-2 to Leyton Orient at Motspur Park in their fifth pre-season match. The Whites went 3-0 down before halftime, and with a late resurgence almost equalised, until Orient sealed the win in the 90th minute.

Timmy Abraham scored a brace for the Whites, taking his tally to 6 goals in pre-season.

Fulham were in control of the opening ten minutes, keeping possession and dictating play. They won a corner and Scott Armsworth had a chance to go ahead for Fulham but headed over the bar.

Orient broke the deadlock in the 10th minute. Fulham were trying to play out from the back, and a misplaced pass from a midfielder handed it straight to a striker in red, who tucked it past Luca Ashby-Hammond.


Fulham almost equalised instantly, Shawkat Tahir and Sonny Hilton with some intricate play led to Sylvester Jasper shooting hard and the keeper palmed the effort onto the post.

Fulham applied more pressure as the corner count started to mount. From a corner Leyton Orient broke rapidly up the pitch, and switched the play, their left winger this time rattled the post with their effort, close to doubling their advantage.

20 minutes in and Tahir a shot away from the edge of the box, but it deflected and went out for a corner. Jose Garrido got a head to the ball as it was whipped in, but not enough power behind the header to cause problems for the keeper.

Orient doubled their lead in the 35th minute. Another wayward pass, this time from Ashby-Hammond, gave them another clear-cut opportunity and Orient's number nine punished the lapse of concentration.

Just before half time, Garrido had another chance from a corner, but couldn't direct the ball at goal. Orient stormed up the other end of the pitch, and after a number of deflected shots they put a scrappy goal into the back of the net to make it 3-0.

Second half kicked off and Fulham made two chances at the break. Both were involved as Ziko Azare started a run up the field, passed to Chris Kelly who did well to get to ball to Timmy Abraham.

Abraham slammed an effort into the top right, making it five goals in five games for the new recruit.

The second half was mostly Fulham attacking, Sonny Hilton did well from a corner to get into the box with ball at feat, and Tahir had another shot from inside the area blocked.

70 minutes in and Abraham looked like had scored again except for an outstanding save. Kelly whipped a ball to the 6-yard line and a strong connection from Abraham, but a brilliant reaction save kept the two goal advantage.


Straight down the other end of the pitch Hilton gave away a penalty to add to Fulham's woes. Ashby Hammond however, made an outstanding save of his own, getting across to the left and low to keep the ball out and keep hope alive.

In the 77th minute The Whites were back in the game. Jasper shot from the edge of the area, and with a big deflection the ball bounced awkwardly. Abraham and a defender fought for it, and he managed to get his leg in front of the defender and poke the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-2 and an interesting end to the match.

Fulham had several chances, Jasper with a hooked shot, Ryan De Havilland went close with a free kick. However in the 90th minute Orient made it 4-2.

The referee didn't call a foul in midfield, and Orient broke down the pitch and slotted an effort that bounced in off the right upright to seal the victory.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/july/29/u18-fulham-2-4-leyton-orient

WhiteJC

 
Moving Slowly For Promotion


Scott Halleran/Getty Images

On Saturday the 5th of August, Norwich travels to the Cottage to open the 17-18 season.  With the recent year-long loan signings of Tomas Kalas and Oliver Norwood the pieces are starting to come together for another promotion push for the Premier League.  Kalas is the bedrock of our backline and the front office by luring him away from Hull is fantastic signing; although they did not really need to do much as he wanted to return to Fulham. Norwood was instrumental in Brighton's second place finish in the Championship and promotion to the Premier League and will add depth, to arguably, the best midfield in the league.


We are entering the 4th year of life in the Championship after relegation and otherwise ineptitude in 13/14.  With stability in management and the core of last season's squad returning, things are looking up for another push towards promotion in the Premier League.  As always many supporters are dismayed by the lack of action in the transfer market and Chairman Khan failing to open the purse.


The Swiss Ramble goes into great detail explaining the debt Fulham had accrued under Al-Fayed and how his decision to pay off most of Fulham's debt kept things afloat for Khan.  The club's financial woes were noted in their Annual Report at the conclusion of the 12/13 season


For 13/14 Fulham netted a profit of £2m, an increase of 125.3% when compared to the previous year.  Regardless of the profit, the club increased spending in all areas and were relegated in May.  The warning bells were sounded and the club did not reduce spending leaving the club in a poor financial standing moving into the Championship.



Revenue fell by £48.8m in Fulham's impotent attempt to bounce back into the Premier League and lost £7.1m for their first year in the Championship.  This number is significant when looking at Financial Fair Play because clubs in 14/15 were not allowed to accrue a loss of > £6m.  Fulham exceeded the amount and were hit with a transfer embargo beginning on Christmas Eve 2015.  This announcement left new manager, Slaviša Jokanović, with limited options to upgrade our non-existent defence with the following loans:


After finishing 20th, the ban was lifted on May 16th following rule changes for the maximum amount, £13m, clubs can lose starting with the 15/16 season.  The net operating loss for the previous 2 seasons was £18.4m and led to many players being sold in the off-season including Ross McCormack to Aston Villa for £12m helped to reduce operating losses.  Without financial information from Fulham's 16/17 season, it is not possible to know if the club became profitable or not.  However, it can be reasoned the club continued to lower their expenses as it has the previous 3 years.


Returning to the current transfer market and the perceived lack of movement from Fulham to fill needed areas: striker, midfield depth, defensive depth and keeper is causing a lot of unrest and negativity towards the front office and Khan.  Per Deloitte's Annual Review of Football Finance 2017, Fulham is carrying a debt of £117m and is the only club in the Championship to record the largest increase in net debt year-on-year of £29m.  All clubs are predicted to spend more on player wages than revenue generated continuing to increase debt.


With the information about Fulham's continuing annual debt and the expectation of more money needed to spend on wages, the club needs to be aware of the money it spends to win promotion.  With the current FFP rules in place, Fulham cannot accrue more than £39m debt over 3 years as they will face penalties.  This may have changed the policy of buying players outright without using analytics created by Tony Khan and Craig Kline to find hidden value in players other clubs may have overlooked.  While this initially irritated Jokanović, his silence on the issue indicates he may be buying into the philosophy and still giving his input on other players.

Fulham's lack of movement in the transfer market is most likely due to increasing debt and attempting to make the club sustainable.  Fulham can not afford to buy Kalas from Chelsea, instead he accepted the loan offer to return to the Cottage over moving to Hull on a permanent deal.  Allowing Newcastle to outbid on Diego Rolan is another indicator of not overpaying for a player yet to prove himself in a physically demanding league.  Fulham is a week out from the season opener and still have time to flesh out additional loans or purchase players.  It takes the patience of supporters to trust the front office and board room in making positive decisions for the club at present and for the future.  Finances are a big part of how Fulham operate and Khan wants to ensure players will improve the team.  The counter evidence is to remember signing Kostas Mitroglu.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/7/29/16061952/moving-slowly-for-promotion


WhiteJC

 
Amiens Striker Having Medical at Fulham

It appears that Fulham are on the verge of adding another striker to their squad.

According to the news source Sky Sports, Fulham have the their eyes on Aboubakar Kamara

Kamara, just 22-years-of-age, is currently on the books of the French side Amiens.

Last season, Kamara scored 11 goals in 29 appearances to help Amiens to achieve promotion to Ligue 1 for the first time in their history.

Kamara started his career with Monaco before leaving to join the Belgian side Kortrijk back in 2015. From there he moved to Amiens in the summer of 2016.

If Kamara successfully passes his medical, he will be added to a list of summer signings that includes Marcelo Djalo, Ibrahima Cisse, Lucas Piazon, Oliver Norwood and Tomas Kalas.

We`ll endeavour to keep you informed of any developments.




Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=498697#ixzz4oILFr8rc

WhiteJC

 
New arrivals feature as Fulham are well beaten by Wolfsburg

Summer signings Ibrahima Cisse and Oliver Norwood both started as Fulham lost their final pre-season friendly 3-0 to German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

The visitors went in front on 36 minutes, as USA centre-back John Brooks evaded the Whites defence to meet Daniel Didavi's free-kick on the corner of the six-yard box, and he guided a header across goal and beyond keeper David Button.

They doubled their lead 11 minutes from time when substitute Yunus Malli slipped a pass in behind the Fulham defence and Champions League winner Mario Gomez coolly converted.

And ex-Bayern striker Gomez was on target again five minutes later, nodding in Jakub Blaszczykowski's cross.

The late goals simply highlighted the difference between the two sides, as Fulham struggled to make any impression on the match bar a purple patch early in the second half when they squandered several chances.

And to add to manager Slavisa Jokanovic's worries, Marcus Bettinelli – who had started in the Fulham goal – limped off after half an hour.

After his replacement Button had been beaten by Brooks' header, an otherwise low-key first half ended with Ryan Sessegnon lifting a shot over the bar.

Button was forced into a save in the opening minute of the second half, denying Landry Dimata, but the Whites went on to have a string of chances.

Stefan Johansen's low free-kick was parried away by Wolfsburg keeper Koen Casteels, Sone Aluko flashed a shot across the face of goal from the left channel, and Johansen then met a Cisse cross with a left-footed volley which flew well over the bar.

Fulham brought on 16-year-old midfielder Matt O'Riley for new arrival Cisse, and gave minutes to defender Marcelo Djalo, but they were a distinct second best.

Fulham: Bettinelli (Button 30); Fredericks, Ream (Djalo 80), Kalas, Sessegnon; Norwood, Cisse (O'Riley 73), Johansen; Ayite (Odoi 61), Aluko, Piazon (Woodrow 64).
Sub not used: Norman.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/new-arrivals-feature-fulham-well-beaten-wolfsburg

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 0-3 Wolfsburg: Full time player ratings as Oliver Norwood shines in a poor performance

Two goals from Mario Gomez ensured Fulham lost their final pre-season of the summer as they went 3-0 down at the Cottage - here's how the players rated

A brace from Mario Gomez and a headed goal from John Brooks ensured Fulham lost their final pre-season friendly of the summer at the hands of Wolfsburg.

Tom Cairney, Kevin McDonald and Neeskens Kebano were all absent from today's starting line-up as Slavisa Jokanovic gave a debut to Oliver Norwood, while Tomas Kalas made his second coming.

Fulham had a good chance to take the lead 13 minutes in when Stefan Johansen threaded a ball through the middle of the defence to find Sone Aluko, but his strike was too tame to trouble Koen Casteels.

Wolfsburg took the lead when Brooks rose highest to head in a looping header completely unmarked in the box, much to the dismay of David Button.

Oliver Norwood won Fulham a free kick with a nice bit of skill early in the second half, but Johansen's free kick was well saved by Casteels down to his right.

Gomez scored twice, first when he poked the ball under Button and then secondly when he scored a lovely header after the ball came in from the right to knock it down and into the net.

Button 5: Looked nervous when playing the ball out from the back and when collecting crosses.

Fredericks 6: Didn't get forward as often in the second half but looked solid defensively with very little coming down the Fulham right.

Sessegnon 6: Was pushed further forward in the second half but didn't see as much of the football as he did in the first half, but that was as a result of Wolfsburg's ability yo keep

Johansen 6: A good performance from Johansen as he took control of Fulham's midfield, showing the engine that made him such a prized asset last season. Was unlucky not to score from his volley but another good game.

Ayite 6: Was replaced on the hour mark by Odoi, and despite doing a lot of running didn't have too much of an impact on proceedings.

Ream 6: Had a decent game in the heart of defence with Kalas, despite a few scrappy moments. He'll be pleased with his contribution in the tackle and in the air.

Norwood 7: Looked better and better as the game went on and was very comfortable in possession of the football and wanted to make things work. My man of the match.

Piazon 5: Wasn't up to speed at all in this game and had very little impact, if any, on proceedings as he glided through the game.

Aluko 6: Continued wanting the ball and saw a lot of it the second half as he was pushed out onto the wing with the emergence of Woodrow.

Kalas 6: A good first game back from Kalas - he looked well up for today's game and did well marshaling the back with Ream, despite conceding two goals.

Cisse 6: Had a solid game in the middle of the park and spent a lot of time harassing and hurrying the Wolfsburg midfield, allowing them very little time on the football. His positioning was spot on for the most part - a decent game from Cisse.

Subs -

Odoi 6: Was at fault for being out of position for Wolfsburg's third goal but apart from that didn't have too much to do and did what he did have to do well.

Woodrow 6: Didn't have much of an impact on proceedings as Wolfsburg stamped their mark on the game and allowed Fulham very little in terms of going forward.

O'Riley 6: Got on the ball a few times but didn't do enough of note in the game to stand out.

Djalo N/A: Wasn't on the pitch long enough to warrant a rating.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-0-3-wolfsburg-full-13403557


WhiteJC

 
Up Next: Norwich City

Fulham kick-off their 2017/18 campaign at Craven Cottage next Saturday, as Norwich City visit SW6 on 5th August, kick-off 3pm.

As the Whites look to get off to a flying start in the Sky Bet Championship, be there for all the action with tickets on General Sale.

Prices start from £30 adults and £15 juniors and are available to purchase online now, by phone on 0843 208 1234 (opt. 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

COYW!

Ticket Office open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/july/29/norwich-tickets

WhiteJC

 
Jokanovic again at odds with Fulham hierarchy over transfers

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has warned the club not to sell in-demand forward Sone Aluko – and says his list of transfer targets has been "ignored".

Several bids have been rejected for Aluko, who arrived as a free agent last summer and impressed as the Whites reached the play-offs.

West London Sport understands the club want to keep Aluko and could offer him a contract extension, but accept his value has increased following his displays last term.

Speaking after his side's 3-0 loss to Wolfsburg in their final pre-season friendly, Jokanovic said: "I have to fight for Sone Aluko, because around me is some news that we are thinking about selling him.

"If we do this, it will be a big mistake for my team.

"If we want to be better, we need to bring quality people into our squad. At this moment, I don't observe my team as at the highest level, as we were last season.

"In the future, we are going to need some quality players in different positions – at centre-back and striker and we didn't replace Scott Malone, who was a really important player for us.

"My list is completely ignored. In this moment, we decide to follow one way [in which] I didn't find so much sense.

"I don't feel any responsibility for the recruitment process. But I am going to show my ambition for working with the team on the pitch and show respect to my players, to supporters and my family to push hard to do everything to be successful."

Jokanovic said he expected goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, who limped off against Wolfsburg, to be fit for Saturday's Championship opener against Norwich.

Tom Cairney, Kevin McDonald and Neeskens Kebano all missed the game with slight injuries, but should also be available.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/ignored-jokanovic-warns-club-not-sell-demand-fulham-man

WhiteJC

 
Slavisa Jokanovic full transcript: Everything the Fulham manager said after the Wolfsburg defeat

The Fulham manager touched on a range of issues in his press conference after today's 3-0 defeat to Wolfsburg - here's everything he said

Slavisa Jokanovic did not hold back in his post match press conference after the Wolfsburg defeat - here's everything the Fulham boss said:

What positives can you take from today?

In general we play exceptionally good football first hour and we conceded one very weak Championship goal and after we try to equalise the game - they score some second goal and at the end of the game they dominate us and the result is completely fair.

This is our last test and we I expect we are going to be in better level next Saturday when we start the competition against Norwich.

Does this result worry you at all?

It is always positive to finish the pre season with a positive result but on Saturday we will forget this game and 100% you will ask me about Norwich game.

Always it is important to build up the competitive and positive mentality, we didn't have the chance today but I expect we are going to have the chance next Saturday.

Does the depth of the squad worry you a little?

I expect Tom Cairney, Neeskens Kebano and Kevin McDonald are going to be available for Saturday's game and it is probably these three players are our important players in the last season and I'm sure we can be better with them.

This is about recruitment - first of all I am very happy because we signed Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon and I am very happy because Tomas Kalas and Lucas Piazon stay with us.

In this moment the only job that I can do is to fight for Sone Aluko because around me there is some news that we are thinking about selling him.

If we do this it will be big mistake for my team and I didn't be part of this recruitment this year and I can't comment anything about this process.

In the future we are going to need some quality player in different positions and in the end we need little bit more quality at centre back.

We need when we sell Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele to start talking about replacement for that position and I expect we'll find quality that can help us and I believe it is natural that we didn't replace the position of Scott Malone who is important player for us.

It is not in my hands I expect for the club to bring me more material and I am really motivated working with these people and try to make the team more competitive.

Do you feel that the targets you wanted have been met?

As I said last season, behind of us it was interesting pre-season. We are working hard and we are make our supporters enjoying and build our style too.

If we want to be better we need to build and bring quality people in our sqaud.

This moment I don't observe my team in the highest level what we were last season or where we finish the season last year and what I say before, my role is completely ignored in recruitment this year and I can't comment anything about recruitment but what I expect - I expect quality players who can help us to be better than we were last season.

How is Marcus Bettinelli?

He was a little bit scared about his hamstring and we expect he will be available for next week.

Can we clarify, are the players coming in not on your list or are they players that were on your list?

My list is completely ignored and in this moment we decide follow one way I didn't find so many sense and in this moment I don't feel any responsibility.

In this moment, from recruitment process, for another side I am going to show my ambition for working with the team in the pitch and other side I must show respect to my players to supporters and my family and push hard to do everything to be successful.

Why wasn't Kevin McDonald in the squad today?

He, like Tom Cairney and Kebano have some kind of the small problems and we don't want to take any risks for this game and I expect they can be ready and available for the start of the Championship.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-full-transcript-everything-13405066


WhiteJC

 
Slavisa Sounds Off

A deeper look into the Fulham manager's controversial post-match comments.


Slavisa Jokanovic: not a happy man Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images



Following Fulham's 3-0 loss to Wolfsburg Saturday afternoon, manager Slavisa Jokanovic gave an interview to BBC London Sport regarding the club's transfer window so far. Within the two-minute long discussion, the Serbian made a number of comments that merited further investigation.

Most notably, Jokanovic mentioned that the club was looking to sell striker Sone Aluko, a decision he characterized as a "big mistake." Jokanovic said he was "fighting" to keep Aluko, despite people around him wanting to sell the forward, who was signed at the start of the 2016/17 season.

These quotes prompted an extraordinary response from the club itself. Just minutes later, Fulham released a statement to BBC London Sport.

"The club understand [Aluko's] true value and ultimately there will be a contract extension," the statement read. "The club have had multiple bids for him and have rejected them."

For Fulham to react so quickly to Jokanovic's comments, and to so swiftly denounce the truth of his words, speaks to the disconnect that exists between the manager and the club. Sadly, this disconnect is nothing new, and Slavisa again brought up a constant theme in the interview today.

When asked about his thoughts on the transfers so far, Jokanovic did praise the contract extensions of Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon, as well as applauding the loan deals for Lucas Piazon and Tomas Kalas. However, he went on to claim he "has not been a part of the recruitment this year" and said he "could not comment anymore on this process."

Nevertheless, Jokanovic remarked that there was a need for quality signings up front and to replace left back Scott Malone, but insisted these decisions were not in his hands.

These claims have been frustratingly omnipresent during Jokanovic's tenure as Fulham manager. Every transfer window seems to bring a new clash between the manager and those in charge of signing players, specifically Tony Khan and Craig Kline. These foolish airings of public grievances are increasingly irritating and present an image of a club in disarray.

Few other managers use such public forums to air their frustrations with the club and questions need to be asked as to why Jokanovic could not have addressed these concerns in private. Communication between the Khans and Jokanovic needs to be improved, or this disconnect could derail a promising season for the Whites.

But he allayed fears of his resigning or walking away from the job by saying he is "motivated" to work with the team and make Fulham more competitive.

What are your thoughts on Slavisa's recent comments? Nothing to worry about or a big worry? Leave your opinion in the comments below.

COYW!




https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/7/29/16062494/slavisa-sounds-off

WhiteJC

 
Wolfsburg's class overwhelms Fulham
by Dan on July 29, 2017


Until Andries Jonker summoned Jakub Blasczykowski and Max Arnold from the substitutes bench, there was little to choose between Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham and a Wolfsburg side who have failed to win just one of their pre-season friendlies. The arrival of the Wolves' two trump cards added a precision that had previously been lacking, offering the evergreen Mario Gomez the opportunity to poach a late brace that put a clear gulf between the teams.

Gomez, who had spurned the easiest chance of the match when he blazed wildly into the Putney End from eight yards out after sprinting away from Denis Odoi, snaffled two late goals that added to a first half header from John Brooks. The towering American centre back was left inexplicably unattended at Daniel Divida's set play and looped a header over the statuesque David Button, but the contest remained close until the closing ten minutes. First, Gomez capitalised on a splendid through ball from Yunus Malli that cut the Fulham defence open and found the bottom corner and, with six minutes to play, the German international headed home Blasczykoswi's right wing cross after his movement had completely befuddled Marcus Djalo.

The final score was slightly flattering to the Bundesliga side and might have played a part in Jokanovic's frustrated press conference that followed. Sone Aluko buzzed around brightly as a false nine, but Brooks slid in flawlessly to avert the danger from his only clear side of goal. It was just the jolt the visitors needed as they gradually ground in gear, with Didavi seeing a shot blocked and the classy Riechedly Bazoer skewing an effort wide from outside the box. The tame nature of Brooks' opener could have been explained by the early departure of Marcus Bettinelli, who was replaced as a precaution following a hamstring scare, but Button's display hardly engendered much confidence, especially when he almost conceded a replica of the goal he donated to Derby in April.

Fulham threatened fleetingly with Ryan Sessegnon shooting wide from long range after good interplay between Lucas Piazon and Aluko right on half time, but they found their rhythm after the break after surviving an early scare when Button smothered Yunus Malli's shot with his feet. Stefan Johansen nearly scored with a free-kick similar to the one that surprised QPR last month, but this time Koen Casteels produced a superb reflex save down to his right. Aluko should have found the far corner a few moments later when Johansen prized open the visiting defence before the rampaging Norwegian volleyed one over the bar.

For a while, Wolfsburg looked a little rattled. A mazy dribble from Aluko culminated in the Nigerian seeing his shot deflected over and substitute Cauley Woodrow sent a free header into the Hammersmith End when found by Piazon's set play, but the Germans soaked up the pressure before Blaszcykowski and Arnold took centre stage. The pair made an immediate difference and the additional movement in the final third overwhelmed Fulham's overworked rearguard.

Jokanovic confirmed afterwards that he would expect to be able to fit Kevin McDonald, Tom Cairney and Neeskens Kebano, who were all rested due to injury concerns, into his matchday squad for the Championship opener against Norwich City next weekend, whilst Bettinelli's hamstring strain shouldn't rule him out of contention either. The Serbian left nobody in any doubt as to his desire for further additions to bolster his squad in the coming week – but the margin of this defeat at the hands of one of the Bundesliga's most intriguing squads shouldn't unduly worry him.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli (Button 31); Fredericks, R. Sessegnon, Kalas, Ream (Djalo 80); Cisse (O'Riley 73); Johansen, Norwood; Piazon (Woodrow 64), Ayite (Odoi 61), Aluko. Sub (not used): Norman.

BOOKED: Johansen.

VfL WOLFSBURG (4-3-3): Casteels; William, Itter (Gerhardt 80), Brooks, Knoche; Camacho (Arnold 76), Bazoer, Didavi (Mali 46); Dimata, Hinds (Blaszczykowski 76), Gomez. Subs (not used): Uduokha, Grun, Seguin, Jaeckel.

GOALS: Brooks (36), Gomez (79, 84).

REFEREE: James Linnington (Newport).



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/07/wolfsburgs-class-overwhelms-fulham/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham Close In On This Ligue 1 Marksman: Much Needed For The Whites?

Fulham are on their way to make it a successful season in the Championship, after losing out narrowly in the semi final in the last term to Reading. The Whites ended in the sixth position on the Championship league table in the last term and will be looking to go one step further in the forthcoming season.

Fulham are eyeing a number of new players to be brought into the side for the next term and they have already eyed a number of young and exuberant ones in the summer transfer window. The Whites already had to let go of eight of their players and are in dire need of reinforcements to be brought into the side for the next season.

The Whites are looking to add to their fire power in the next term and are looking forward to making it one of the most successful seasons in recent times. They have opted for the French forward Aboubakar Kamara, who has apparently appeared for his medical at the Craven Cottage.

The 22-year-old youngster is currently playing for the Ligue 1 side SC Amiens and has established himself as one of the most highly regarded strikers in French football in the current situation. Fulham are sure that his addition to their side for the next season will give them the much needed impetus to perform well in the Championship and head back into the Premier League once again.

Kamara is known for his predator like instincts in front of the goal and for his finishing from long as well as close range. He has the ability to make the opposition defence go haywire with his skills and make sure that his team stays in advantage. He also is able to score from powerful headers and also from free kicks in set piece situations to keep his team in advantage.

The French youngster scored 11 goals for his side in the last term in the 29 matches he appeared for the side in. The player has also made two assists for his teammates, providing them with opportunities to score goals.

It is imperative for Fulham, who have already got a top striker like Tom Cairney in their team, to get someone to pair with him and score goals for their team. No doubt the inclusion of a young and exuberant player like Kamara will give them the much-needed impetus to the strike force for the upcoming season.



http://the4thofficial.net/2017/07/fulham-close-in-on-this-ligue-1-marksman-much-needed-for-the-whites/


WhiteJC

 
Sone Aluko: Fulham talk about new deal for striker after rejecting bids for player


Sone Aluko joined from Hull and scored nine goals in 50 games during his debut season at Craven Cottage

Fulham say there are moves to extend the contract of striker Sone Aluko and confirmed "multiple bids" from an unnamed club have been rejected.

In a statement, Fulham said they "understand his true value" after boss Slavisa Jokanovic spoke about Aluko's future following defeat by Wolfsburg.

Aluko, 28, joined from Hull last summer and has scored nine goals in 50 games.

"All I can do is fight, around me there is news we're thinking about selling him," Jokanovic told BBC Radio London.

"If we do this then it will be a big mistake for my team."

Following Jokanovic's interview after Saturday's 3-0 pre-season defeat by Wolfburg at Craven Cottage, Fulham told BBC Radio London: "Ultimately, it looks likely there could be a contract extension.

"The club have had multiple bids for him and have rejected them."

Speculation about Nigeria international Aluko's future comes a week before the Cottagers start their Championship season at home against Norwich City on Saturday, 5 August.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40764092

Bill2

Quote from: WhiteJC on July 30, 2017, 07:47:01 AM

Fulham 0-3 Wolfsburg: Full time player ratings as Oliver Norwood shines in a poor performance

Two goals from Mario Gomez ensured Fulham lost their final pre-season of the summer as they went 3-0 down at the Cottage - here's how the players rated

A brace from Mario Gomez and a headed goal from John Brooks ensured Fulham lost their final pre-season friendly of the summer at the hands of Wolfsburg.

Tom Cairney, Kevin McDonald and Neeskens Kebano were all absent from today's starting line-up as Slavisa Jokanovic gave a debut to Oliver Norwood, while Tomas Kalas made his second coming.

Fulham had a good chance to take the lead 13 minutes in when Stefan Johansen threaded a ball through the middle of the defence to find Sone Aluko, but his strike was too tame to trouble Koen Casteels.

Wolfsburg took the lead when Brooks rose highest to head in a looping header completely unmarked in the box, much to the dismay of David Button.

Oliver Norwood won Fulham a free kick with a nice bit of skill early in the second half, but Johansen's free kick was well saved by Casteels down to his right.

Gomez scored twice, first when he poked the ball under Button and then secondly when he scored a lovely header after the ball came in from the right to knock it down and into the net.

Button 5: Looked nervous when playing the ball out from the back and when collecting crosses.

Fredericks 6: Didn't get forward as often in the second half but looked solid defensively with very little coming down the Fulham right.

Sessegnon 6: Was pushed further forward in the second half but didn't see as much of the football as he did in the first half, but that was as a result of Wolfsburg's ability yo keep

Johansen 6: A good performance from Johansen as he took control of Fulham's midfield, showing the engine that made him such a prized asset last season. Was unlucky not to score from his volley but another good game.

Ayite 6: Was replaced on the hour mark by Odoi, and despite doing a lot of running didn't have too much of an impact on proceedings.

Ream 6: Had a decent game in the heart of defence with Kalas, despite a few scrappy moments. He'll be pleased with his contribution in the tackle and in the air.

Norwood 7: Looked better and better as the game went on and was very comfortable in possession of the football and wanted to make things work. My man of the match.

Piazon 5: Wasn't up to speed at all in this game and had very little impact, if any, on proceedings as he glided through the game.

Aluko 6: Continued wanting the ball and saw a lot of it the second half as he was pushed out onto the wing with the emergence of Woodrow.

Kalas 6: A good first game back from Kalas - he looked well up for today's game and did well marshaling the back with Ream, despite conceding two goals.

Cisse 6: Had a solid game in the middle of the park and spent a lot of time harassing and hurrying the Wolfsburg midfield, allowing them very little time on the football. His positioning was spot on for the most part - a decent game from Cisse.

Subs -

Odoi 6: Was at fault for being out of position for Wolfsburg's third goal but apart from that didn't have too much to do and did what he did have to do well.

Woodrow 6: Didn't have much of an impact on proceedings as Wolfsburg stamped their mark on the game and allowed Fulham very little in terms of going forward.

O'Riley 6: Got on the ball a few times but didn't do enough of note in the game to stand out.

Djalo N/A: Wasn't on the pitch long enough to warrant a rating.




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-0-3-wolfsburg-full-13403557
Sorry bit can't agree about Norwood. Did not impress and was lucky not to get a red card in the first half, which would have been the case in a proper game.