Saturday Fulham Stuff (22/12/18)...

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Results

Friday
Wolves	0 - 2	Liverpool

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Newcastle are ready for easiest match of the season

Newcastle United will host a struggling Fulham football club at St. James' Park tomorrow and the expectation is to claim all three points.

The players and supporters of Newcastle United cannot wait for the match against Fulham tomorrow as it will be the Magpies' easiest match of the season. Newcastle are expected to claim all three points and dominate the Cottagers at St. James' Park before the schedule takes a turn for the worst against  elite opposition.

Claudio Ranieri was hired to help Fulham avoid the immediate drop  to the EFL Championship, but at the moment Fulham are looking like strong favorites to go down. With nine points from 17 matches, Fulham are desperate for a result and they will try to knock off 14th-placed Newcastle on the road. However, the Magpies will not go down easy as they know that their supporters deserve a positive result after losing seven matches at home.

Newcastle Should Dominate Tomorrow

That is a rare headline for an under-funded Newcastle side, but it is true. Fulham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League with an alarming total of 42 goals conceded from 17 matches, which equates to 2.5 goals per match. For this reason, Newcastle must go all out against Fulham and use their wingers to expose the Cottagers' vulnerable defense.

After scoring four goals in the last six games, this matchup presents Salomon Rondon with a golden opportunity to score multiple goals and secure three much-needed points for Newcastle. Rondon has the strength to win the ball and has been accurate in front of goal, so Fulham could be in serious trouble whenever the Venezuelan striker touches the ball.

That being said, Newcastle must be aware of their surroundings defensively in this match, too. Fulham have more pace on their roster and they have scored more goals than Newcastle this season. Mitrovic will look to punish Newcastle to revive the debates on why Benitez kept him on the bench last season.

Overall, Newcastle are expected to play with plenty of urgency for their home supporters tomorrow. Anything other than three points will be considered a major disappointment against the league's worst team.



https://newcastletoons.com/2018/12/21/newcastle-ready-easiest-match-season/

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Arsenal will be delighted they held off on signing Fulham flop Jean-Michael Seri

Over the summer, Arsenal were reportedly the frontrunners to sign Ivorian midfielder Jean-Michael Seri, who had drawn rave reviews during his time at Nice.

Fulham ended up beating Arsenal and a host of other clubs to Seri's signature, yet the Gunners will be delighted they held off on buying the midfielder.

The 27-year-old arrived at Craven Cottage with sky-high expectations, but his time at Fulham has been overwhelmingly disappointing.

The famed passing ability and calmness on the ball that Seri was known for in France is absent from his Premier League form. On multiple occasions, loose passing and dawdling on the ball has led to Fulham conceding soft goals, most notably in high-profile errors against Chelsea and Manchester City.

In addition, Seri's defensive work-rate has been woeful, with his lack of tracking the opposition's attacking runners from midfield a particular weak point.

The Whites have conceded an exorbitant amount of goals this season, with a large number coming from cut-backs to unmarked midfielders that Seri failed to deal with.

Overall, the Ivory Coast international's effort levels have been perhaps his most frustrating trait in SW6, with the midfielder often appearing unbothered by Fulham's predicament and showing little passion on the pitch.

Seri's indifference is best exemplified by his role in Juan Mata's goal in the recent 4-1 loss to Manchester United. When faced with Mata's forward run, Seri takes a glance at the player and continues his slow jog back towards goal, calmly watching as Mata strokes home.

A player of Jean-Michael Seri's supposed quality ought to be doing far better with Fulham, but his lack of effort and adaptation to England have contributed to his underwhelming start.

As a result, Arsenal will count themselves lucky to have avoided spending a multi-million pound fee on the central midfielder.



https://tbrfootball.com/arsenal-will-be-delighted-they-held-off-on-signing-fulham-flop-jean-michael-seri/

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Slavisa Jokanovic opens up about Aleksandar Mitrovic's move from Newcastle United

Rafael Benitez sold Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham during the summer transfer window.

Slavisa Jokanovic has told the Daily Mirror that Aleksandar Mitrovic 'signed himself' for Fulham from Newcastle United in the summer.

Mitrovic spent the back end of last season on loan at Fulham from Newcastle, when he helped the Cottagers earn promotion.

The Serbian striker became very popular at Craven Cottage, and Jokanovic has suggested that Newcastle changed the price-tag that Fulham had to pay as a result of Mitrovic's good form.

"In the end, it's about the final say. People say, 'You signed Mitrovic in June.' No, it's not true," he said. "Mitrovic signed himself because he scored the goals, the supporters wanted him and he signed himself at a different price.

"But I understand modern football, how the club is working, and I can agree or disagree on movement from the club's side. But many clubs do it like that. Some teams give you the players and say, 'Come on! Make the team!'"

Fulham ended up paying Newcastle £22 million for Mitrovic in the summer, as reported by BBC Sport.

The transfer has still appears to have been a good piece of business, as Mitrovic has been one of the bright spots of a poor season for Fulham.

The 24-year-old striker has hit seven Premier League goals so far this term in 16 games.

Mitrovic's good form has still not been enough to get Fulham out of trouble though, as Claudio Ranieri's side are currently sat at the bottom of the Premier League table.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/12/21/slavisa-jokanovic-opens-up-about-aleksandar-mitrovics-move-from/

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Claudio Ranieri reveals why Aleksandar Mitrovic didn't succeed at Newcastle United

The Fulham chief supportive of the former Anderlecht star as he prepares for a return to Tyneside this weekend

Aleksandar Mitrovic didn't get enough time to develop as a player with Newcastle United - according to Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri.

The big striker was relegated in his first season with the Magpies and then struggled for game-time in the Sky Bet Championship before being loaned out to the Cottagers.

Mitrovic will now return to St James' Park this weekend with Fulham and Ranieri said: "Aleksandar in Newcastle didn't do a very good job because when a player comes from another country it's not easy to adapt immediately to English football.

"But in Fulham he's adapted very, very well. And I hope he can do a very outstanding match.

"I don't know if they will give a warm welcome to Aleksandar, but I hope Aleksandar will make a very good match."

Ranieri is convinced that Mitrovic will be eager to show what he can do against the Magpies on Saturday afternoon.

The Italian boss said: "When you play in another country you can touch the ball two, three times.

"When you play in England one touch is too much, you have to play half-touch.

"That's it. And the player who came in had to think about it.

"You try to transmit this but only the experience, you need six months, maybe one year, to understand this.

"I hope when a player goes back to his previous club he wants to show something more.

"I hope for everything for Aleksandar, believe me, I pray."

The game will also be the battle of the two former Serie A managers with the ex-Roma boss looking forward to taking on the ex-Inter Milan and Napoli chief.

Ranieri said: "I saw him a long time ago in Valencia, he's a great manager who has won a lot, he is very intelligent, tactically is very attentive, and he's created a very good group there.

"The team is strong, very intensive, tight – I think Rafa is more Italian than me!

"That's because he's very, very attentive on the tactical movement of the players.

"They were down two months ago, and in this moment they are safe.

"So for us they could be good inspiration.

"The Newcastle fans are very, very warm. But the players love to play against teams that have very good fans.

"It's a bad thing when there is nobody at the stadium."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/claudio-ranieri-reveals-aleksandar-mitrovic-15581461

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Opinion: Swansea should hijack any Fulham move for Lys Mousset with loan offer

According to a recent report from Sky Sports, Fulham are keen on making a move for Bournemouth striker Lys Mousset in January, but Swansea could hijack any deal by making a loan offer that will be more tempting for the Cherries.

What's the situation?

Mousset has struggled for game time at Bournemouth since making a £5.4m move from French side Le Havre in 2016. In fact, the 22-year-old has only made seven Premier League starts in that time.

He was given a rare chance to impress by Eddie Howe in the Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea on Wednesday evening though and he caused a big problem for Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen at the heart of the Blues defence.

After the game, the Bournemouth boss told Sky Sports that Mousset would be an important part of the club's future, essentially ruling out a possible permanent move away. Given his lack of action though a loan move for the rest of this season could be a possibility, and Swansea should approach the Premier League side with an offer.

Adding firepower

Given his impressive technical ability and strong fitness, Mousset seems to be the perfect fit for Graham Potter's team as they look to push on in search of a Championship play-off place.

The Swans are currently ninth in the table after 22 games, but Potter will certainly be hoping to bring in more firepower in the winter window given Middlesbrough are the only club in the top half to have a number lower than their tally of 27 goals.

With Wilfried Bony only just returning from a long time on the sidelines, the Welsh side have been relying on Oliver McBurnie for the majority of their goals, but signing Mousset would ease the burden on the Scotsman.



https://www.footballfancast.com/championship/swansea-city/opinion-swansea-should-hijack-any-fulham-move-for-lys-mousset-with-loan-offer

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Fulham player suggests Cottagers can correct summer transfer mistakes in January

Slavisa Jokanovic helped Fulham achieve promotion to the Premier League after winning the last season's Play Off against Aston Villa.

To make their position firm in England's top flight club competition, the Cottagers invested heavily as they spent over €100m bringing several new faces to the squad in the summer.

Unfortunately, things have not gone as per their plan and they're currently sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table, having conceded 42 goals and having the worst defensive record across the top five leagues in Europe.

Denis Odoi has been part of his side's 15 league games this season and the defender gave an interview to Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg, where he admitted that he's hopeful Fulham can fix their summer transfer errors in January.

"Last year in the Championship, we were in the top six for losing the ball, but the number one in ball possession by far," he said.

"We are not dominant in the Premier League. The club knew that too, invested more than €100m this summer, thinking of the defensive. But, so far it has not worked. Maybe that will be corrected in January."

Jokanovic was sacked and replaced by Claudio Ranieri and the latter had promised his players that he will take them to McDonald's, if Fulham keep a clean sheet.

There's been no Big Macs so far, and Odoi says some of his teammates are motivated by it.

"Claudio Ranieri promised us McDonald's if we keep a clean sheet – which did not work out yet. There are sure guys in our team motivated, because some like McDonald's. But I do not eat that," the defender added.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-player-hopeful-cottagers-will-correct-summer-transfer-mistakes-january/

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Newcastle United v Fulham
SAT 22 Dec 2018   Premier League
Venue: St. James' Park

Newcastle full-back DeAndre Yedlin was sent off in Newcastle's defeat at home to Wolves

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle welcome back defender DeAndre Yedlin from suspension, while Federico Fernandez is available following a calf injury.

Jonjo Shelvey's thigh problem will be assessed but Ciaran Clark has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

Frank Anguissa is still sidelined for Fulham, but Ryan Sessegnon is expected to return from a groin issue on Boxing Day against Wolves.

Stefan Johansen and Aleksandar Mitrovic are one booking away from suspension.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

@vksparks: "He'll either get sent off or score a hat-trick."

Such was one Newcastle fan's appraisal of Aleksandar Mitrovic's return to St James' Park. Domestic goals may have dried up for Serbia's Player of the Year - just two since his early-season scoring spree - but he's exactly the sort of character who is capable of producing some drama.

In a mirror image of Mitrovic's campaign, Newcastle's number nine Salomon Rondon has hit a purple patch after a slow start. He could prove a real handful for Fulham's notoriously leaky defence, as Rafael Benitez looks to open up a 10-point gap over Claudio Ranieri's men.

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez: "I think we are doing well, but always when I talk about this league, the top sides are so strong that when you have a bad run because you play two or three of them in a row, then everything seems difficult.

"But after, maybe you have two or three games that you can win and you get the points and it seems that everything is fine."

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri on Rafael Benitez: "I saw him a long time ago in Valencia, he's a great manager who has won a lot.

"The team is strong, very intensive, tight - I think Rafa is more Italian than me. That's because he's very, very attentive on the tactical movement of the players.

"They were down two months ago and in this moment they are safe. So, for us, they could be good inspiration."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Newcastle still have their own relegation worries and their home form is a problem, but I am backing them to win this one.

Prediction: 2-0

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Newcastle could lose four consecutive matches versus Fulham for the first time since 1982.
    The Cottagers are vying to win consecutive league away matches against Newcastle for just the second time.
    The last seven Premier League meetings have ended in a home victory, while four of the last five fixtures have ended 1-0.

Newcastle United

    Newcastle's seven home defeats this season is the most of any team in the top four English divisions.
    However, the Magpies' win at Huddersfield last weekend was a fourth victory in seven league matches, having failed to win any of the opening 10.
    Newcastle have won only one of their last nine Premier League matches against promoted opposition (D2, L6), 1-0 at home to Huddersfield in March.
    Rafael Benitez is yet to lose a Premier League home game against Fulham (W4, D3), with his teams keeping a clean sheet in the past five meetings.
    Salomon Rondon has scored four goals in his last six Premier League games, as many as he managed in his previous 24.

Fulham

    Fulham have won just one of their last 14 Premier League matches (D3, L10).
    The Cottagers are without a clean sheet in 21 Premier League games, conceding at least twice in 18 of those fixtures.
    They have conceded 42 goals after 17 games - only relegated Barnsley, with 47 in 1997, have let in more at this stage of a Premier League campaign.
    A defeat for Fulham would mean they spend Christmas day bottom of the table. Only three Premier League teams in that position in 26 seasons have gone on to avoid relegation.
    They could lose 13 of their opening 18 fixtures of a league campaign for the first time.
    The Cottagers have been defeated in eight of their nine Premier League away fixtures, with their only point coming at Brighton in September.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46576169

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Fulham's defensive record 'embarrassing' and 'diabolical', says Alfie Mawson

Alfie Mawson says he is "embarrassed" by Fulham's performances so far this season, and has labelled their defensive record as "diabolical".

The Cottagers have endured a miserable return to the Premier League following four years in the Championship, and are currently bottom of the table.

In their 17 games this campaign, Fulham have conceded a league-high 42 goals - an average of nearly 2.5 goals per game - leading Mawson to slam his team's efforts.

He told Sky Sports News: "It goes without saying - to concede in general is horrible, but to concede the amount we have conceded is diabolical, to be honest. It's embarrassing.

"I speak for myself and the back four. The 'keepers, to be fair, have made plenty of saves this year.

"[It's] down to us either being a bit naive in this league and not knowing what we're up against, and sometimes just the pure quality of this league.

"We've got to change something. We've got to take the negatives on board, but we've also got to take the positives.

"When we do get the clean sheet - which is going to come - then we can build on that."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11587849/fulhams-defensive-record-embarrassing-and-diabolical-says-alfie-mawson

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AWAY TICKET NEWS: Further Allocation For Fulham Match On Sale Thursday, December 27

Oldham Athletic have received an additional allocation of tickets for the Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie away at Fulham.

Frankie Bunn's side travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday, January 6, 2019 (2pm kick off).

Latics will be putting the further allocation of 900 tickets on sale from 9:30am on Thursday, December 27.

They will be available in person at the Boundary Park ticket office, over the phone or online.

The club received an initial allocation of 2,500 tickets before a further 1,000 went on sale and have since sold out.

Ticket prices are:

Adults: £10
Over 65's: £5
18-21 years: £5
17 & Under: £1

Disabled Price
Adults: £5
Over 65's: £2.50
18-21 years: £2.50
17 & Under: £1

Disabled supporters in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (higher or middle rate) or PIP payments are entitled to a complimentary carer ticket, if required.

Supporters will be able to purchase four tickets per person.



https://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/2018/december/21122018-fulham-tickets/

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Player confirms Fulham chief's demands blocked exit, reveals talk about extension

After having joined Fulham from Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen in 2016, Denis Odoi made 30 appearances in his debut season in the Championship.

Gent were interested in bringing the defender back to Belgium and the two sides agreed a deal for the 30-year-old in summer 2017.

However, the deal collapsed after the Fulham owner's son, Tony Khan, who is also the director of football at Craven Cottage, intervened and increased the transfer fee.

Due to this, the Jupiler Pro League outfit pulled out of the deal and he continued with his current employer.

"Many say I was lucky to play in the Premier League now. Because at the beginning of last season – when Fulham was still playing in the Championship – I could have gone to Gent," Odoi told Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg.

"However, the son of the chairman intervened, the price went up and the transfer fell into the water. I could have been happy in Ghent.

"And now? At the time, I earned considerably less than now. I am not priceless, but I wonder if a Belgian club wants to pay for a defender of my age."

The Belgium defender's contract with the Cottagers will expire after the end of this season and Claudio Ranieri's side have the option to further extend it by one more year.

Odoi admitted to have already held talks to to extend his stay at Fulham at least until 2020.

"My contract here is expiring, but there is an option that they may be able to explain. They have even spoken about a normal extension. I like to live in England," he added.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulhams-asking-price-blocked-exit-player-reveals-talks-extending-contract/

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Lee Clark joins Tribalfootball: Newcastle & Fulham so special to me

We here at Tribalfootballare proud to announce our new guest columnist for 2019, former Newcastle United and Fulham midfielder Lee Clark.

Lee brings with him almost 30 years of experience playing and managing in the Premier League and across the Football League.

As a player, Lee quite literally lived the dream. Not many players get to play for their boyhood heroes, let alone help reignite an entire city. But that's what Clark did, having played 46 league games as a 20-year-old in Newcastle's record breaking 1992/93 season, which ended their four-year exile from the top flight.

It was a golden period for Toon. In the 1995-96 season, when Kevin Keegan's side, dubbed 'The Entertainers', famously finished second behind Manchester United.

The likes of David Ginola, Les Ferdinand, Faustino Asprilla and Peter Beardsley lit up St. James' Park on a regular basis and Clark was right there alongside them. He says the experience helped raise his game to another level.

"Absolutely, every training session and game really, really mattered," Clark tells Tribalfootball. "We could never rest on our laurels even in training, you knew you had someone, senior players, internationals.

"And you knew that one, you wanted to get a place in the team. And two, you wanted to keep it, which was the hardest bit. You had to perform every single day in training. I think that's the reason why most players during that period had there most successful time of their careers, really."

In 1997, Clark crossed the north-east divide for a brief two-year stint at Sunderland under Peter Reid and helped the Black Cats lift the First Division trophy in 1999.

Fulham then paid £3m for Clark's signature in the early days of the Mohamed Al Fayed revolution. Clark secured his status as a promotion specialist when he picked up another First Division title in 2001. Wearing the captain's armband, Clark led the Cottagers to their then-highest Premier League finish in 2003/04.

Speaking about his six-years in west London, Clark says: "I love the club. The people there, the way me and my family got treated.

"The six years I had there as a player were magnificent. We had a great time and I love going back. And it's quite ironic that it's Newcastle vs Fulham at St. James' on Saturday. I'll be at the game and it will be pulling on the heartstrings really because I want neither of them to be involved [in the relegation battle].

"And also another club close to me where my managerial career started, Huddersfield, they're down in the mix as well. So it's like I don't want any one of these three to go down, but unfortunately I think that's the way its going to be."

There was no break from football for Clark, who immediately joined United's coaching staff after retirement in 2006. Two years later, he would take up the manager's position at Huddersfield, spending four successful years in Yorkshire before joining Birmingham City in 2012.

Stints at Bury, Blackpool and Kilmarnock have followed and at just 46 years of age, Clark still has plenty left to give to the game.

"You learn from the ups and you learn from the downs. I'm a much improved manager than I ever was from the start. And I'm wanting to get back in. I love it. I love being on the graft. I love coaching players and trying to improve them.

"I'm absolutely wanting to get back in the game but you know everything has to be right for me and also its not just the U.K, I'd quite enjoy and it would be a good test to work abroad."



Read more at http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/lee-clark-joins-tribalfootball-newcastle-fulham-so-special-to-me-4261731#sXVgKYjz3suLhRtQ.99

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Rafa – Three Players Out For Fulham Game – We're In A Good Position

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has just finished his press conference at the Benton Training grounds for the home game against Fulham tomorrow afternoon.

If we can win this game it will take us to 19 points from 18 games and that's a very decent tally, given we had only 3 points from the first 10 games.

Ki will be off to the Asian Cup after tomorrow's game and unfortunately will not be available to play at Liverpool on Boxing Day.

Here are some of Rafa's comments during his press conference this afternoon:

    "Shelvey is doing well but we need to check and is a doubt. Clark is out with an ankle injury. Feddy (Federico Fernandez) is fine. Lejeune is training. Darlow is out too"

    "We have no news on transfers and no news on the takeover. We are doing more or less fine and everyone is focused at our club. It hasn't affected us-  all the talk"

    "We are in a good position, hopefully, we can win against Fulham and if we do that, then we have another difficult run."

    "We have done well during this important period. We have to stay calm, don't panic like in Dad's Army, and carry on because it's a long, long season"

    "Teams are more open when you are away and you can exploit the counter-attack. At home normally it is the opposite."

    "It is a question of the other team and also being precise in the final third at home. That's what we need to do"



http://www.nufcblog.com/2018/12/21/rafa-three-players-out-for-fulham-game-were-in-a-good-position/

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Why Rafa Benitez 'doesn't care' if Aleksandar Mitrovic scores - as long as Newcastle United win

The Magpies boss gave his verdict on the Serbian's time on Tyneside, and his success at Fulham

Rafa Benitez insists he "does not care" if Aleksandar Mitrovic scores on his first return to St James' Park - as long as Newcastle United emerge victorious against Fulham.

The 24-year-old will play on Tyneside on Saturday for the first time since departing for west London in an initial £22million deal during the summer.

Magpies fans are understandably nervous about the prospect of a former player potentially scoring on their return to the North East, while captain Jamaal Lascelles admitted earlier this week that the Serbia international striker is a "nightmare" for defenders to play against.

But Benitez refutes the suggestion the Mitrovic has a point to prove this weekend, given that the forward struggled to convince the United manager he deserved regular gametime throughout his United career.

For the Newcastle manager, claiming another invaluable three points against relegation rivals and bottom-of-the-table Fulham is all that concerns him, rather than the reception Mitrovic receives on Tyneside.

"I don't think he has a point to prove. I think he is playing well, he's scoring goals for them and he is working really hard," Benitez said of Mitrovic, who has scored seven Premier League goals this season, but only two since September.

"I think he will be happy at the moment, and I don't think he will be thinking too much [about us], although obviously he would like to score as many goals as he can in every game.

"I don't think he has to prove anything. He is doing well, he is a good player, and we knew that before. I wish him all the best for after this game, and that's it.

"Sometimes a player is fine for you style of play, or not, and in this case he is doing well for them, and he was exactly the same for us.

"I think he is doing well and he has nothing to prove, but I think he will give everything on the pitch because of his style of play, and hopefully we can keep him quiet if we do well.

"But if he scores and we score three goals and we win, then I don't care if he scores. My main priority is to make sure the team is in a good position in the table, and that's it.

"I am not talking about every single player when you lose a player because it would be impossible to manage.

"You have to concentrate on what you have, I am happy with our strikers, they are doing well, but especially I am happy with our position in the table at the moment."

During his time at Newcastle, Mitrovic's ill-discipline ensured he served a series of a suspensions which also appeared to prevent Benitez from trusting the Serbian.

But Benitez has echoed comments made by Mitrovic himself this season, too, that Newcastle's counter-attacking style of play simply did not suit the forward - whereas Fulham appear to have built a team around the 24-year-old.

"I think in football or in life, but especially in football, it's important to understand the context of every situation," Benitez added when asked about Mitrovic's fiery character.

"So we are taking about Mitrovic here, and it's true that he was sent off for some games and he was banned for an elbow and things like that, but now he is doing well.

"Was he not scoring as many goals for us as we were expecting? Fine, but it doesn't mean that he's not a good player and he cannot score for Fulham, because he's doing that.

"Is he fine and happier there? We talk about London or whatever, but I don't know. He is doing well, the team has been playing for him, and then he's doing what everybody was expecting from him: scoring goals and then fighting for each ball.

"For us, it wasn't the case. Perhaps we had a different approach maybe and then it was more difficult for him, and then when you are not playing you lose some confidence, but now he is fine.

"Believe me, I wish him all the best because I did not have any special problems with him, expect maybe making a decision about who was playing or not.

"If he can score goals, fine, but I would like to see him not scoring against us because it means that we then have more chances to win, and I would also like to see our team ahead of Fulham at the end of the season."

Having decided to offload Mitrovic during the summer, Benitez identified Salomon Rondon as his first-choice striker given the budget he was afforded - and, following a summer-long pursuit, eventually signed the Venezuelan on a season-long loan deal from West Bromwich Albion.

Following an injury-disrupted slow start to life on Tyneside, Rondon has scored four goals in the past six weeks - including last weekend's winner against Huddersfield Town - and is now repaying the faith Benitez had in him.

While discussing why Rondon was his No 1 striker target during the summer, Benitez explained that the 29-year-old's mobility was something he believed would help Newcastle, particularly on the counter-attack, given that he can operate well as a lone forward.

Mitrovic, on the other hand, tends to remain in the penalty area for a greater period of time, something which does not necessarily complement Newcastle's style given that Benitez accepts his team are likely to cede the majority of possession to a fair number of Premier League teams.

Asked about the differences between Mitrovic and Rondon, Benitez replied: "I think it's not fair to compare them because they are different players, in different teams, at different times.

"So when I was talking about Rondon [during the summer] I was saying that he was a centre-forward with more mobility, which is what we were looking for.

"So when you play normally on the counter-attack and you have to be deep because you don't have much possession - and that is the reality for us, we know that it's like that - then sometimes the striker has to have some mobility, and that is what Salomon is giving to us.

"It's the reason why I was keen on him, but he has to carry on scoring goals because he knows that otherwise people will say to me over the next two months: 'Oh, he has not been scoring goals'.

"I think the timing, it depends, I'm sure Mitrovic will score goals, and I'm sure Salomon will score more goals, too."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rafa-benitez-newcastle-mitrovic-fulham-15583625

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Sky Sports pundit unsure of what Claudio Ranieri's appointment has brought to Fulham

Paul Merson also doesn't think the side will keep a clean sheet between now and the end of the season

Paul Merson isn't sure what the appointment of Claudio Ranieri has brought to Fulham and doesn't believe they'll keep a clean sheet all season.

The side sacked Slavisa Jokanovic after the head coach had only won one game all season long having conceded 31 goals with the team looking extremely suspect at the back.

Ranieri was appointed to stabilise that defence and get Fulham out of trouble, but so far they still haven't kept a clean sheet and have won just once - that coming in his opening game as boss against Southampton.

They travel to Newcastle United on Saturday in what is another massive game for the side in their hunt for survival, but Merson is backing Newcastle to take the points and reckons Fulham could fine themselves cut adrift at the bottom before long.

He his Sky Sports column, he said: "Newcastle. Without a doubt.

"You're never going to stay up if you can't keep a clean sheet. West Ham beat Fulham in second gear, a struggling Manchester United the week before were 3-0 up in no time.


Andre Schurrle, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Tim Ream during the defeat against Manchester United (Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

"Huddersfield have got a chance of staying up because they may only need to score one goal to win a football match, with a good defence, but Fulham need to score two or three each week to even get near.

"I really can't see Fulham keeping a clean sheet between now and the end of the season. They could be cut adrift, it's getting to that stage of the season. I'm not sure what this appointment of Claudio Ranieri has brought Fulham."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/sky-sports-pundit-unsure-what-15583562

[RaySmith]

I'd love it  if we can stick it up all the smug commentators and Geordies.

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri craving clean sheets to boost survival chances

Fulham have yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season.

Claudio Ranieri has admitted Fulham are desperately craving the daily bread of a clean sheet to kick-start their Premier League survival fight.

Basement club Fulham boast just nine points from 17 games and a minus 26 goal difference, leaving Italian manager Ranieri challenging the Craven Cottage men to tighten up at the back.

Fulham make the long trip to Newcastle on Saturday, with Ranieri hoping for far greater defensive organisation from his charges.

Ranieri admitted Fulham now face four matches that could potentially define their season, with clashes against Wolves, Huddersfield and Arsenal all in the offing between now and New Year's Day.

"I need a clean sheet, I need a clean sheet, like I need bread, like I need pasta!" said Ranieri.

"This period is very important, because four matches in a row, I'll put Arsenal in that as well.

"It's important for us. So for the players, don't think, it's important, play, then play, then play, then clean up the mind.

"That's important now. I enjoy this period a lot. For us it's very, very important, these four matches in 10 days.

"Of course we want to get points wherever we can, and then after this Christmas period, we'll see.

"For Fulham, bottom of the table, every match is crucial, Every match could be good to survive or not survive. But we'll fight until the end."

Fulham have just one win in 12 Premier League matches and Ranieri knows his side need to pick up points – and fast – to keep pace with the teams above them.

Traditionally the side bottom at Christmas fails to avoid the drop, but the 67-year-old remains confident in Fulham's ability to extend their Premier League stay beyond next summer.

"We need to make a point in two or three matches in a row," the Italian added.

"It's important to take confidence, because now the players are a little nervous and it's normal.

"But they are working well, and who works well, at the end, will win.

"It's important to believe, to work hard and be confident in each other.

"But I love this experience in England, with a busy Christmas, it's changed now in Italy and it's similar there too."



http://sport.bt.com/news/fulham-boss-claudio-ranieri-craving-clean-sheets-to-boost-survival-chances-S11364319373516

[WhiteJC]

 
Gloucester City sign former Fulham and Bristol Rovers forward on loan from Forest Green Rovers

He could make his debut at the weekend


Isaac Pearce (Image: Mikal Ludlow Photography)

Gloucester City have signed Issac Pearce on an initial one-month loan from Forest Green.

Pearce joined Rovers after impressing on trial at the end of the 2017/18 season and he has made seven appearances for the club so far, including three in League Two.

The 20-year-old has scored two goals, both in the Football League Trophy against Cheltenham Town in a 4-0 win and in the drawn game at Coventry City.

However, he has only started one game and will be hoping to get more minutes under his belt at the Tigers, who are managed by former Forest Green defender Chris Todd, while helping them move away from the relegation zone in National League South.

Pearce previously played for Fulham, where he made more than 40 appearances for the Under-18s and Under-23s after joining them from Bristol Rovers in 2015.

He could make his Gloucester debut against fellow strugglers Dulwich at the Jubilee Stadium on Saturday.



https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gloucester-city-sign-former-fulham-2353892

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri: 'I need clean sheet like I need pasta'

Claudio Ranieri won his opening game at Fulham but has failed to win the past four

Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri says "I need a clean sheet like I need pasta" as he tries to get the club off the bottom of the Premier League.

The Cottagers - who have conceded in every game this season - are three points off safety despite only winning two of their 17 league games.

They face Newcastle, Wolves, Huddersfield and Arsenal in 11 days.

"For the players, don't think, it's important, play, then play, then play, then clean up the mind," he said.

"For Fulham, bottom of the table, every match is crucial. Every match could be good to survive or not survive. But we'll fight until the end."

The Italian has only been in charge for the past five games, having replaced Slavisa Jokanovic in November.

"I need a clean sheet. I need a clean sheet, like I need bread, like I need pasta," said Ranieri - whose side have conceded 42 league goals so far.

"We need to make a point in two or three matches in a row. It's important to take confidence, because now the players are a little nervous and it's normal."

Back in 2015-16, he told Leicester City players he would buy his players pizza if they kept a clean sheet.

Fulham start their busy Christmas schedule at Newcastle on Saturday.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46653082

[WhiteJC]

 
Claudio Ranieri considering January move to bring Leicester defender Danny Simpson to Fulham

    Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is considering move for Leicester's Danny Simpson
    Ranieri and Simpson worked together at Leicester, where they won the title
    Fulham have let in 42 goals in the league this season, the most in the division

Claudio Ranieri is considering a January move for Danny Simpson.

The pair won the Premier League together and Ranieri wants to strengthen his leaking Fulham defence.

Simpson is out of contract next summer and Leicester are deciding whether to make him available when the winter window opens, to recoup some money.


Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is considering a January move for Leicester's Danny Simpson

But Leicester are also weighing up whether to offer Simpson a new deal, with Daniel Amartey's ankle injury keeping him out for a prolonged period.

The 31-year-old delivered a solid performance against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, doing a good job against Brahim Diaz and Raheem Sterling, and is pushing for Premier League appearances.

Newcastle and a number of Championship clubs are also keeping track of his situation. Simpson won promotion to the Premier League with three different clubs before lifting the top-flight title in 2016.


Ranieri and Simpson worked together at Leicester, where they won the Premier League in 2016



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6520577/Claudio-Ranieri-considering-January-bring-Leicester-defender-Danny-Simpson-Fulham.html