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Monday Fulham Stuff (07/01/19)...

Started by WhiteJC, January 07, 2019, 08:00:59 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Everton must make a move for Cairney

Everton need to boost their creative options in midfield in January in order to kick on and the perfect player to do that is Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney.

The Toffees have lacked a top-quality attacking spark in their midfield in their recent outings with some players under-performing and it's clear a fresh face to address that issue would benefit them.

According to The Sun's print edition (page 63, Saturday January 5th) West Ham are ready to make a move for Cairney but known they would have to pay £25million in order to get him.

While the newspaper goes on to suggest that Fulham would do all they can to resist selling the 27-year-old playmaker, if there is any chance he could cost £25million, the Toffees must make a move.



Cairney is a sublime passer of the ball and has excellent creative vision when it comes to spotting chances to carve out with this shown by the fact he was involved in 11 goals in 37 outings last season.

While some may argue that the midfielder hasn't excelled in the Premier League this season, he has shown glimpses of his talent and his efforts haven't been helped by injuries as well as under-performing teammates.

This means it's easy to surmise that Marco Silva could get Cairney back to his best and able to help the Toffees look better creatively.

The 27-year-old midfielder may also be tempted to jump ship to the Toffees which could help make a move occur as he would no doubt rather play for a side not in the relegation fight.

Therefore the Toffees must play a blinder by signing Cairney in this window as given his reasonable price tag and the fact he be the creative spark their lacking, it'd be a very smart move for them to make.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2019/01/blogs/premier-league/everton-must-make-a-move-for-cairney/

WhiteJC

 
Floyd Ayite provides update on his Fulham future with his contract set to expire this summer

The 30-year-old has only featured in nine games so far this season for the Cottagers

Floyd Ayite has revealed that he has yet to discuss his long-term future with Fulham.

The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has so far only featured in nine games for the Cottagers following their promotion back to the Premier League.

However, the club do have an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months if they do indeed wish to keep him in west London.

Although the player's contract is now entering the final six months, the ex-Bastia man has claimed that he is just focusing on helping the team at present.

"I haven't spoken to the club yet about my contract, but we will have a chat very soon and then we will see what they want to do with me," he told the club's matchday programme.

"At the moment, I'm just focused on the team and how we can improve and win games."

Currently four points adrift of safety after 21 games, the team do need to start stringing a run of results together if they are to retain their place in the top flight.

Although the team were on the end of a 4-1 defeat at Arsenal last time out, Ayite believes they will still be in the Premier League come August if they can replicate recent performances.

"We still have a lot of games to go," he added. "It's still in our hands.


Floyd Ayite in action against Watford (Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

"I'm 100 per cent sure Fulham will be in the Premier League next season.

"Under the new boss, you can see we're more organised on the pitch.

"The spirit is better. We are fighting more, We play good, simple football. We are more comfortable defensively.

"Yes, we conceded four at Arsenal, but before that we'd been improving at the back.

"We were up against a good Arsenal side with fine players.

"But we're going to fight to be in the Premier League next season and if we play like we did on New Years' Day, we'll win a lot of games."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/floyd-ayite-latest-fulham-news-15636789

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 1-2 Oldham: Sam Surridge and Callum Lang seal League Two side's shock FA Cup win

League Two Oldham fought back to knock Premier League Fulham out of the FA Cup third round at Craven Cottage and cause one of the biggest upsets of the weekend.

Callum Lang headed in the visitors' 89th-minute winner to stun the Premier League hosts and prompt extended touchline celebrations from caretaker boss and lifelong supporter Pete Wild who took over from sacked Frankie Bunn on December 27.

Denis Odoi's goal early in the second half meant Fulham were expecting to coast home, only for Oldham to turn the tide.

Bournemouth loan striker Sam Surridge equalised from the penalty spot after Ryan Sessegnon fouled Oldham captain Peter Clarke with his first act after stepping off the bench.

And then Lang buried Gevaro Nepomuceno's teasing cross, to spark exuberant celebrations on both the Oldham bench and among the delirious travelling supporters.

Replacement striker Mitrovic had spurned the chance to put Fulham back in front from the spot just moments before Oldham's winner however.

The Serbia striker's first touch after replacing captain Tom Cairney was to step up and strike a penalty - only to see goalkeeper Daniel Iversen produce a fine save at full stretch.

Fulham's penalty had only been awarded after a lengthy check from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), with Oldham furious and insistent Christopher Missilou had not connected with Cairney, and that the Fulham skipper had taken a dive.

Mitrovic was the man fuming when Aboubakar Kamara insisted on overruling club orders to take and miss a penalty in Fulham's 1-0 win over Huddersfield on December 29.

The former Newcastle man proved the hero that day, stealing a late winner, but in this big FA Cup shock, it was the 24-year-old's turn to miss from the spot.

That failed penalty ensured one level of justice then, before Oldham dished out their own brand of summary sentencing with Lang sealing an old-fashioned cup upset.

Fulham will also rue Neeskens Kebano missing a gilt-edged chance in front of goal on a hugely disappointing afternoon for the Cottagers.

Claudio Ranieri's men should have had more than enough to coast through despite six changes to their line-up, but whether through expectation or malaise, the hosts so often lacked any genuine impetus.

Fulham finally found some purpose after a goalless first half, taking the lead once they had warmed to the task.

Kebano cut to the byline and stood up a far-post cross, and though the well-marked Floyd Ayite could only head skywards, the ball stayed in the danger area.

Odoi raced onto the second ball, chested down and tucked away a neat finish, to calm a frustrated home crowd.

Kebano should have doubled the lead when Cairney threaded a fine ball to send him racing clear, but the Democratic Republic of Congo forward curled his effort the wrong side of the post.

That miss quickly haunted the hosts, with Sessegnon rightly conceding the penalty for holding Oldham skipper Clarke in the box.

Surridge stepped up and buried the equaliser, sending the raucous visiting fans into raptures.

Suddenly Mitrovic arrived off the bench for that disputed penalty, and when he failed with that attempt, the game threw up yet another twist.

Fulham were still coming to terms with Mitrovic's miss when Oldham stalked up the other end, and Lang thumped home to seal a fine victory.



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-oldham/403467


WhiteJC

 
Fulham player ratings: Vietto dire and Seri awful as Oldham cause a major upset in the FA Cup

Here's how we rated the team in the FA Cup third round tie at Craven Cottage

Marcus Bettinelli

Was alert when called upon after the break to deny Sam Surridge after having nothing to do in the first half. Couldn't do anything about the striker's penalty late on. 4

Denis Odoi

In the right place at the right time to score the crucial first goal at Craven Cottage after a dismal first half from the team. Tried his luck in the opening 45 minutes but his shot went high and wide of Daniel Iversen's goal. 3

Calum Chambers

Back in the team at centre-back following his absence against parent club Arsenal on New Year's Day. Coped well with Oldham's powerful striker Chris O'Grady prior to his substitution and always looked to get his side pushing on by bringing the ball out from defence. 5

Tim Ream

Relatively comfortable afternoon at the back for the centre-back before the League Two side struck twice late on. 3

Maxime Le Marchand

Some great crosses from the left for Floyd Ayite in the first half and made a vital interception before Oldham's equaliser to deny Peter Clarke. Was beaten in the air way too easily as Callum Lang nodded in the winner. 3

Ibrahima Cisse

Decent performance from the midfielder against the Latics. Did his job and had the first chance of the game but his effort drifted wide of the target 4

Jean Michael Seri

A really good pass early on to set free Le Marchand but struggled throughout the game. Looks a shadow of the player who was set to join Barcelona ahead of the 2017/18 season. 2

Tom Cairney

Tried to make things happen but nothing quite went right for him. Great ball to release Neeskens Kebano just past the hour mark and won the penalty late on. 3

Floyd Ayite

Started well and went close early on with two headers but faded after the break. 3

Neeskens Kebano

Was much better after the break and played his part in Odoi's goal. However, he should have done so much better when clean through on goal to kill the game off. Rightfully booked for tyring to win a penalty before the break following Tom Hamer's challenge. 3

Luciano Vietto

Having struggled in the Premier League since his summer move, this was a huge chance for Vietto to impress. Didn't look up for the game and really found it hard up against the Oldham defence. Offered absolutely nothing and lost the ball time and time again. 2

Substitutes

Ryan Sessegnon (Neeskens Kebano, 73)

Involved moments after coming on as he gave away a penalty following a foul on Clarke. 3

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Tom Cairney, 84)

First touch of the ball and and missed from the spot. 3



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-player-ratings-oldham-ranieri-15636638

WhiteJC

 
MATCH REPORT: Latics Produce Stunning Comeback To Knock Premier League Side Fulham Out Of The Emirates FA Cup

Oldham Athletic produced a stunning display to come from a goal down to beat Premier League side Fulham 1-2 at Craven Cottage.

Denis Odoi had given the home side the lead before a Sam Surridge penalty and Callum Lang's winner proved to be enough.

Daniel Iversen also saved a penalty from Alexsandar Mitrovic as Latics provide one of the shocks of the third round in the Emirates FA Cup.

The first half was quite an even affair with Fulham seeing much of the ball, but without creating much trouble on the Oldham goal.

Latics created the first opening from a nice move down the right-hand side resulted in Lang firing a cross in across the six-yard box, but nobody was there to finish off the move.

The home side had the first shot of the game as Maxime Le Marchand crossed in from the left with Floyd Ayite heading wide at the back post.

That same combination provided another chance for Fulham as Ayite got across his man at the near post, but he headed wide once again.

Latics created a decent chance minutes later as Lang's cross was cleared as far as Jordan Lyden who could only volley over from the edge of the box.

Pete Wild's side created did probably have the best chance of the half as Christopher Missilou won the ball back for Latics on the halfway line.

He sent Gevaro Nepomuceno down the left who found Chris O'Grady in the middle with a low ball in, but O'Grady's shot was deflected towards goal with Marcus Bettinelli able to scramble across to save.

Fulham took the lead seven minutes into the second half as Kebano's cross was only cleared as far as Odoi who volleyed home.

Substitute Surridge forced a decent save from Bettinelli before Kebano missed a glorious chance to double the lead as he went running through before curling an effort wide.

Peter Clarke saw a header cleared off the line from a Mohamed Maouche corner before Clarke was fouled by Ryan Sessegnon in the box as Anthony Taylor pointed to the penalty spot.

Surridge stepped up and slotted it into the bottom left-hand corner to send the away end into chaos.

Fulham were awarded a penalty of their own as Misslou fouled Tom Cairney in the box, with the help of VAR to give the decision.

Mitrovic had just been subbed on and his first contribution was to see his penalty brilliantly saved by Iversen diving to his left.

It just got better, and the magic of the cup proved itself once again as Nepomuceno crossed into Lang who's downward header beat Bettinelli in goal.

Jean Michael Seri fired a chance over in the last minute of stoppage time, but in truth Latics deserved something from the game and the fourth round awaits the side.

Attendance TBC (Away)

Fulham

Bettinelli, Odoi, Chambers, Kebano (Sessegnon 73'), Cairney © (Mitrovic 84'), Ayite, Ream, Vietto, Le Marchand, Seri, Cisse

Oldham Athletic

Iversen, Hamer, Clarke ©, Edmundson, Nepomuceno, Lang, Lyden, Missilou, Branger-Engone, Maouche, O'Grady (Surridge 61')



https://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/2019/january/match-report-for-fulham-vs-oldham-athletic-on-06-jan-19/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham vs Oldham Athletic: Claudio Ranieri's revival efforts go from bad to worse after late Daniel Iversen save

Fulham 1-2 Oldham Athletic: Cottagers become the latest Premier League side to be knocked out of the FA Cup third round after watching Aleksandar Mitrovic's late penalty be saved before conceding the winner

A goal two minutes from time by Oldham's Callum Lang knocked Fulham FC out of the FA Cup just four minutes after the League Two club's goalkeeper Daniel Iversen had saved a penalty from Aleksandar Mitrovic to keep them in the competition.

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri saw this fixture as a chance to get game time into some players who were short of match practice. What he would have wanted even less than a replay at Boundary Park was a further blow to his team's morale as they attempt to get out of the bottom three of the Premier League.

But that was only what Fulham deserved for a flat performance. Denis Odoi scored his first goal of the season to break the deadlock after 52 minutes following a dismal first half in which neither side managed a shot on target. But Oldham, cheered on by a vocal following in the Putney End, equalised in the 76th minute with a penalty from substitute Sam Surridge after Ryan Sessegnon fouled Latics captain Peter Clarke. Sessegnon, also a substitute, had only been on the field a matter of two minutes.

Ranieri then brought on Mitrovic to take his side's penalty but that substitution was no more successful than his first had been, Iversen reading the striker's penalty to perfection before Lang, 20, on loan from Wigan, decided the match.

Ranieri made six changes to the team beaten 4-1 by Arsenal in order to look at players who have not been regulars since he arrived, Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano making their first starts under the Italian.

Ayite put headers either side of the goal in a tepid opening spell. None of the Fulham players were making anything happen in the way that Mitrovic, watching from the bench, usually does. Ayite was one of the few who looked interested in fighting his way into the first team, and Oldham captain Peter Clarke was forced to block his angled shot at the expense of a corner.


Denis Odoi celebrates in emphatic style after scoring Fulham's opener

The longer the first half went on, the more Oldham realised there was nothing much to fear. Johan Branger, the France-born Gabon winger, launched some ambitious dribbles and Ibrahima Cisse's attempt to intercept a low cross from Gevaro Nepomuceno almost turned the ball past Marcus Bettinelli. Kebano was booked for diving when running on was surely the better option.

When Oldham forced two corners in succession in the dying seconds of the first half, you wondered if it would be their moment. But Fulham survived and were ahead seven minutes into the second half. Oldham defender George Edmundson did well to head away a cross from Kebano on the left but was still recovering his bearings when the ball dropped for Odoi to chest down and poke past Iversen.

Kebano then produced a clever pass between two defenders to find Jean Michael Seri, who made space with a clever turn. Had he shot he might have scored one of the goals of the round, but instead he passed back, which more or less summed up Fulham's lack of ambition. Oldham substitute Surridge showed no such inhibitions, forcing a save from Bettinelli with an angled volley.

Fulham should have made the game safe after 64 minutes when Tom Cairney sent Kebano racing through on his own but with only Iversen to beat, he shot wide.

Oldham could have levelled when Edmundson just failed to get his head to Mohammed Maouche's free kick. But after 74 minutes substitute Sessegnon bundled over Clarke as Maouche's corner came in and Surridge coolly converted the penalty.

Oldham only needed to keep their heads to take Fulham back to Boundary Park but instead Christopher Missilou waved his toe at Tom Cairney in the penalty area and made just enough contact with Cairney's ankle to justify Anthony Taylor's award of a penalty, if not the Fulham captain's extravagant fall. Ranieri sent on Mitrovic to take the kick but Iversen guessed correctly and dived to his left to keep the ball out.

The Oldham fans were ecstatic and their delight was multiplied when Nepomuceno crossed and Lang headed back across Bettinelli and into the fourth round draw.

Teams

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Bettinelli; Odoi, Chambers, Ream, Le Marchand; Cisse, Seri; Ayite, Cairney (Mitrovic 84), Kebano (R Sessegnon 73); Vietto.

Substitutes not used: Fabri, Schurrle, Christie, S Sessegnon, Kamara.

Oldham Athletic (4-2-3-1): Iversen; Haymer, Clarke, Edmundsen, Nepomuceno; Lyden, Missilou; Lang, Maouche, Branger; O'Grady (Surridge 61).

Substitutes not used: De La Paz, Taylor, Baxter, Graham, Hunt, Sylla.

Referee: Anthony Taylor.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/fulham-vs-oldham-athletic-final-score-result-fa-cup-third-round-goals-upset-callum-lang-a8714286.html


WhiteJC

 
Mitrovic misses penalty as Fulham crash out

Fulham 1 Oldham 2

Aleksandar Mitrović missed a late penalty as a wasteful Fulham surrendered a second-half lead to crash out of the FA Cup.

After an uneventful first half, Denis Odoi chested and volleyed in from six yards shortly after the break following good work from Neeskens Kebano down the left.

Kebano should have made it two 10 minutes later after being sent in on goal by Tom Cairney, but he pushed his effort wide.

And moments after coming on, Ryan Sessegnon wrestled Peter Clarke to the floor in the box and substitute Sam Surridge converted the spot-kick.

The Whites, who made six changes from the New Year's Day defeat at the Emirates and switched to a 4-3-3 shape, dominated most of the match but only managed to get two of their 20 shots on target.

One of which was a penalty, which the Premier League strugglers earned with eight minutes to go after VAR confirmed that Cairney was brought down, but goalkeeper Daniel Iversen saved well from Mitrović, who was substituted on to take it.

And two minutes from time, Callum Lang headed in a cross to put the League Two side into the draw for the fourth round.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Odoi, Chambers, Ream, Le Marchand; Cissé, Seri, Cairney (Mitrović 84); Ayité, Vietto, Kebano (R. Sessegnon 74)
Subs not used: Fabri, Christie, S. Sessegnon, Schürrle, Kamara.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/mitrovic-misses-penalty-as-fulham-crash-out

WhiteJC

 
Sunday Bloody Sunday...

Embarrassing and abject, Claudio Ranieri didn't even really rest first team regulars as Fulham exited the FA Cup in a home tie to Oldham Athletic. You could argue that 8 of the 13 utilised by the Italian will be involved at Burnley on Saturday and yet still out of the cup in the second largest 'giant-killing' of the third round (though honestly, during the whole narrative of 'giant-killing' in the FA Cup is only time we'll hear Fulham regarded as a 'Premier League giant' as by the BBC live feed this afternoon).

Sheffield United, who were knocked out by Barnet with a larger positional gap than today's fixture at Craven Cottage, at least can say they made 10 changes to their starting eleven. Fulham's six included the goalkeeping change, Cyrus Christie out for £30m man Jean Michel Seri as Denis Odoi slid out to the right hand side of a back four, Calum Chambers returned for the injured Alfie Mawson and was next to Tim Ream with Maxime Le Marchand in for Joe Bryan and going out to the left back position. Ibrahima Cisse retained his place as at Arsenal. The entire front three from the game at the Emirates were on the bench (although two game on to no – positive – impact for Fulham) and Atletico Madrid loanee Luciano Vietto, former Ligue 1 regular Floyd Ayite and Congolese international Neeskens Kebano starting up front.

Though Fulham retained and recycled the ball well, their creation of chances was lacklustre and mustered just the two shots on target, the opening goal from Denis Odoi (of all people) and Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty (which in all honesty, shouldn't have stood). No youngsters – Ryan Sessegnon is a fully fledged first team squad member – were given a run out, it was simply a poor turn out from players that are to be charged with Fulham's Premier League survival.

The change of system was probably unnecessary with Odoi, Ream and Le Marchand likely to start at Burnley anyway. Were we really that desperate to rest Cyrus Christie and Joe Bryan? Any more so than Tom Cairney, who appeared to pick up a knock to the ankle? Or Ryan Sessegnon or Aleksandar Mitrovic? Both of which may as well have stayed at home given their time played and contributions of a conceded penalty and a missed one. Steven Sessegnon could easily have slotted in at right wing back for Ranieri to see what he has long term, Joe Bryan on the left. Luca De La Torre could have been one of the three in the front three, or in the squad at least to show some intent of future of the football club.

This was a bad day for the club all round, it showed a worryingly lack of creativity, a lack of fight to see out a win at home to League Two opposition and some questionable managerial decisions. Fulham next travel to Burnley, and whilst it's easy to wallpaper over some cracks and say 'we can now focus on the league;' never underestimate the power of a win, the power of a clean sheet. Fulham now face a tough trip to Burnley with our prime attacking threats playing a bad part in two penalties and a back four that conceded two to a team in the bottom division of the Football League pyramid, letting alone now having to face Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes.

Congrats to Oldham, a cup set is something to savour and something to enjoy. Their supporters took over Craven Cottage and it probably would've suited Fulham more to play this tie away and remove the effect of a 'big day out.'

I'd love to end this talking about how the fringe players showed their not worthy of their spot, but sadly, there was a lot of first team regulars out there and business has to be done by Tony Khan and Claudio Ranieri to improve the quality at the top end of the depth chart at the football club.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/01/sunday-bloody-sunday/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham Support Turn On Ranieri As The Honeymoon Period Is Well And Truly Over

When the Fulham hierarchy decided that Slavisa Jokanovic had to be axed, it was hoped that the appointment of Claudio Ranieri would see the clubs' fortunes turnaround.

However, despite a win in his opening fixture, results have been pretty much the same.

Today, losing in the FA Cup 3rd round to Oldham Athletic, a team that plays in League Two, was a new low.

The social media networks are an ideal place to gauge the supporters' feelings and the honeymoon period for Ranieri certainly appears to be over,

How, we're not sure that Ranieri's position is in doubt, but he certainly needs to start getting a result or two otherwise the appointment of a third manager, this season, may well be on the cards.



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/fulham-support-turn-on-ranieri-as-the-honeymoon-period-is-well-and-truly-over/


WhiteJC

 
Claudio Ranieri explains why Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald didn't feature in Oldham defeat

The duo have been linked with transfers away this month

Plenty of Fulham fans were surprised by Claudio Ranieri's team selection in the shock 2-1 FA Cup third round defeat against Oldham Athletic.

Tipped to shuffle his pack against the League Two side to give players on the fringes of the first team a rare chance, the Italian did indeed make six changes to the team that lost 4-1 on New Year's Day at Arsenal.

However, there was to be no sign of the likes of Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald on Sunday afternoon.

Both linked with a move away from Craven Cottage this month, many believed that the duo would start or at least play some part against the Latics.

Ranieri elected to start with Jean Michael Seri and Ibrahima Cisse in the middle of the park in the cup tie, much to the annoyance of a number of supporters.

Quizzed after the game about where exactly Johansen and McDonald were, Ranieri said: "I wanted to continue with Seri and Cisse, that's it."

As well as opening up about the duo's whereabouts, the ex-Leicester City boss lamented his side for lacking desire and passion.

"We need the fire, the passion," he said. "We need everything.

"We need everything if we want to be safe. That is the real problem.

"I know a lot of players new to play together and it makes it more difficult for them.

"The desire to do something is important."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-mcdonald-johansen-transfer-news-15638089

WhiteJC

 
Claudio Ranieri confident Fulham will have money to spend in January

Claudio Ranieri is confident he will be backed by his chairman in the transfer market after seeing Fulham knocked out of the FA Cup by Sky Bet League Two side Oldham.

Fulham were beaten 2-1 by the Latics at Craven Cottage on Sunday and afterwards Ranieri admitted he felt let down by the attitude of his players and hinted changes could be made.

"The January transfer window is one month and if there is the opportunity to buy somebody, I think the chairman is ready," said Ranieri.

As for the cup defeat, the Italian said he did not feel his side showed as much desire or passion as Oldham, with Callum Lang scoring an 88th-minute winner after substitute Alexsandar Mitrovic had missed a penalty for the home side.

"If you lose but you give 100 per cent of your personality, desire, everything, passion, I can accept that Oldham scored twice," Ranieri told the club's official website.

"But we didn't play with passion, that's the problem. We're disappointed. The first half was so boring for us, we didn't play as we're used to playing.

"The second half we improved a little. We scored a goal, we missed the chance to score a second time. And after we missed the chance from the penalty, Oldham won the match.

"I can only say well done to Oldham, and I can also say I gave a chance to the players who haven't been involved, and they missed their chance.

"I wanted to see the players who aren't involved so frequently. But I didn't see the desire, I didn't see the passion that I saw from the Oldham players."

Ranieri's attention now turns to their next Premier League game, away to fellow strugglers Burnley on Saturday.

"I put my ideas across about the Premier League [being the priority] but of course I didn't want to lose this match," he added.

"We need the fire, we need the passion, we need blood, we need everything if we want to be safe. That's the real problem. The desire to do something is important."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11600728/claudio-ranieri-confident-fulham-will-have-money-to-spend-in-january

WhiteJC

 
Liverpool striker nears £15million Fulham transfer



Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is hoping to have a deal agreed with Liverpool to sign Divock Origi, according to The Sun.

Despite scoring the winning goal in December's Merseyside derby, the Belgian is struggling to get regular game time for the Reds, only making two league appearances this season.

Fulham are in desperate need of finding another reliable goalscorer, as Aleksander Mitrovic is their only player to have netted more than five times in the Premier League this campaign.

The West London club, who possess the third worst attacking record in the top-flight, find themselves four points off safety despite spending over £98million on new players in the summer transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp will reportedly let Origi leave for Craven Cottage for £15million, as he believes his young players will continue to have limited game time at Anfield due the level and depth of proven talent currently in the squad.

Dominic Solanke is another young attacker to have left Anfield this transfer window in search of regular football after he signed for Bournemouth for £19million.



https://www.shoot.co.uk/liverpool-striker-nears-15million-fulham-transfer/


WhiteJC

 
League Two Oldham come from behind to dump Fulham out of FA Cup

Oldham Athletic fan and interim manager Pete Wild was expecting to be in the away end at Craven Cottage on Sunday, cheering on the team with five friends. Instead he was in the dugout masterminding his club's victory over Premier League strugglers Fulham.

Manager Frankie Bunn had been sacked after a 6-0 defeat by Carlisle United at Brunton Park on Boxing Day, and Wild, 33, the academy boss, had to tell his mates that he would have to owe them for the ticket and the £70 train fare.

"I got called into the chairman's office late on the 27th and he asked if I could take the team," he said. "But who'd have thought 10 days later we'd be sat here like this now?"

Oldham, owned by Moroccan football agent Abdallah Lemsagam, are 10th in League Two, and in October the players threatened to strike over unpaid wages. On Sunday night, Wild was on Match of the Day explaining how they had beaten the 19th-best team in the country with nerve, resolve and a little fortune at the right moments.

Trailing to Denis Odoi's first goal of the season, they equalised through substitute Sam Surridge's penalty and stayed alive when goalkeeper Daniel Iversen saved a Fulham spot-kick from Aleksandar Mitrovic six minutes from time.

Four minutes later, 20-year-old Wigan Athletic loanee Callum Lang headed them into the fourth round.

"If I'm there to lead them out, then fantastic," Wild said. "If it's a new manager, then I'll be back in the crowd giving my support to the team."

If there was any consolation for Claudio Ranieri, the Fulham manager, it was probably that Lang"s goal spared him a replay at Boundary Park between demanding Premier League fixtures against Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur. He had made six changes to the team beaten 4-1 by Arsenal to look at some fringe players, but was badly let down.

"Well done to Oldham," he said. "I wanted to see the players who aren't involved so frequently but I didn't see the desire, I didn't see the passion that I saw with the Oldham players. We need fire, we need blood if we want to be safe. The [transfer] window is one month and if there is the opportunity to buy somebody, I think the chairman is ready."

Odoi's goal followed a first half of mind-numbing tedium, but things got interesting very quickly after that. Two minutes after Ranieri sent on Ryan Sessegnon, he wrestled Oldham captain Peter Clarke to the ground and Surridge, who returns to Bournemouth on Monday after a loan spell, converted the penalty.

Christopher Missilou's rash 84th-minute challenge on Tom Cairney gave Fulham the chance to go through and Ranieri sent on Mitrovic to take the kick. Ranieri had made much of the Serb being his designated penalty man after Aboubakar Kamara had grabbed the ball against Huddersfield and missed but, like his introduction of Sessegnon, this substitution also backfired. Iversen guessed correctly and dived to his left to keep the ball out.

The Oldham fans were ecstatic and when Gevaro Nepomuceno crossed and Lang headed in, it was a toss-up whether they or Wild celebrated more extravagantly.

"I can't quite believe it," Lang said. "Last week it was touch-and-go whether I would be going back to Wigan, and now I'm enjoying one of the best feelings of my career, if not one of the greatest moments of my life.

"Although we might not make it home in time for Match of the Day, I'm getting it recorded and I might have to watch it back three or four times to make sure this is all for real. And when I see the gaffer sitting there, telling the world how we did it, maybe it will sink in."



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/01/06/league-two-oldham-come-behind-dump-fulham-fa-cup/

WhiteJC

 
Ranieri accuses players of lacking desire

Manager Claudio Ranieri questioned his side's desire after Fulham's shock FA Cup third-round defeat at home against Oldham.

The Whites hit the target with only two of their 20 shots – one of which was a saved Aleksandar Mitrović penalty late on with the score level – against the League Two side, and Ranieri was left ruing Fulham's apathy rather than their profligacy in front of goal.

"I didn't see the desire. I didn't see the passion that I saw in the Oldham players," he said of his players.

"We're disappointed. The first half was so boring for us. We didn't play as we are used to playing.

"In the second half, we improved a little, we scored a goal and had chances to score a second time.

"But Oldham won the match. I can only say well done to Oldham."

Ranieri made six changes to the team that lost at Arsenal on New Year's Day, handing rare starts to the likes of Neeskens Kebano, Floyd Ayité and Luciano Vietto.

But all three spurned good chances to see the game off for the Whites, most of all when Kebano was through on goal but placed his effort wide of the mark.

"The back four were the same, but in the middle and the strikers have not been involved so much," Ranieri added.

"The combinations were much better in the second half, but I wanted to see the desire, the opportunity to show if I am wrong [to leave them out of the regular starting eleven]. But they didn't understand this.

"I know there were a lot of players newly playing together, and that is difficult for them, but the desire to do something is important.

"I wanted more from my players. If you lose but give 100 per cent of your personality, your desire, your passion, I can accept it. But we didn't play with the passion.

"We need the fire, the passion, the blood. We need everything, if we want to be safe. This is the real problem."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/ranieri-accuses-players-of-lacking-of-desire

WhiteJC

 
Fulham signing this Tunisan hotshot would be an absolute coup and a game-changer

Why Fulham must make a move for Youssef Msakni in January

With the January transfer window now officially open, clubs across Europe are looking to strengthen their respective squads for the second half of the season.

Fulham brought in a dozen players during the summer transfer window but now find themselves in a serious relegation scrap. Things haven't gone according to the plan for the Cottagers despite making some exciting signings in Aleksandar Mitrovic, Andre Schurrle, Jean Michael Seri and Luciano Vietto.

Claudio Ranieri's side are in desperate need of reinforcements as Fulham look to be going nowhere with the current group of players. The West Londoners certainly need a striker capable of taking the pressure off Aleksandar Mitrovic as they aim to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

Mitrovic, signed on a permanent basis in the summer from Newcastle following a successful loan spell in the Championship last season, has done extremely well. The big Serb has virtually gone isolated up top for so many games this term, but has managed 8 goals and 2 assists.

That said, Ranieri must ease some burden off Mitrovic's shoulders by bringing in Al-Duhail forward Youssef Msakni.

Youssef Msakni, 28, had been out with a cruciate ligament injury that unfortunately saw him miss the World Cup with Tunisia. But now he has returned to full fitness and is raring to go.

The Tunisian has racked up an impressive 69 goals in 103 Qatar Stars League appearances for his current side. Fulham must not think twice about splashing the cash to get him on board.

In all competitions last season, he scored a staggering 25 goals in 24 games, whilst contributing 15 assists as well. Chiefly a left winger by trade, Msakni can operate as a number 10 and as a second striker too. The Tunisian has the ability to dribble at pace and take shots with both feet, making him a versatile asset to the team.

He is a tireless performer who never shies away from giving 100% on the pitch. Furthermore, Msakni has a good eye for goal and can set up his teammates with defence-splitting passes and accurate crosses into the box.

All in all, the Tunisia international could be a brilliant buy for Fulham. Msakni has never played in a European league but the Cottagers would be wise to take a gamble on him.



https://soccersouls.com/2019/01/07/fulham-signing-this-tunisan-hotshot-would-be-an-absolute-coup-and-a-game-changer/


WhiteJC


Fulham 1, Oldham Athletic 2
Yeah, Fulham Might Finally be Doomed

Sure, it was a "meaningless" FA Cup game in which Fulham were not playing their usual starting XI. Claudio Ranieri gave the 4-3-3 one more go before league play restarts and it was a chance for many of the players outside the matchday squad to be given one more chance to prove their worth. My goodness did they not prove their worth at all.

I can only think of what happened just two years ago when Fulham put Hull City out of their misery and inadvertently led them towards a relegation they haven't recovered. While there's no way to tie FA Cup performances to Premier League futures, Fulham's lack of depth now just shows that there are no other answers in terms of improving this football club beyond building a brand new senior team in the January window. Yes, that proposition is nearly impossible and that is why Fulham will get relegated unless something miraculous were to happen.

In short, Aboubakar Kamara has officially leapfrogged Luciano Vietto because he constantly gets beaten up by any opposition in England. Floyd Ayite looks nothing more than a rich man's Sone Aluko who, at 30 years old, will never show his worth beyond the Championship. Lastly, Neeskens Kebano couldn't be a full fledged starter in the Championship. Why on Earth should we expect better from him in a game that was hoping to boost the moral of the football club?

Add in the fact that the midfield and back four weren't that much different than when Slavisa Jokanovic was using and this level of pessimism throughout all of Craven Cottage is well deserved. Fulham might have put up 20 shots to Oldham's seven, but eight of those 20 were blocked and only two of them went on target. Meanwhile, Oldham were dangerous when it mattered and that can't be any short of crippling towards a defense that has been struggling for months to find it's footing ever again.

And it all started in a first half that wasn't anything more than a bore. I mean, you had a Tom Cairney-Jean Michael Seri midfield that should have been tearing Premier League sides to shred, let alone Oldham. Instead, it was a boring 0-0 contest that basically led to horrifying shot quality and a traveling support that was finding its voice as the minutes kept ticking away.

Denis Odoi brought some respite into the occasion by collecting a jumbled Ayite header and volleyed it home. But that was all short lived when Sam Surridge came on for the older slower Chris O'Grady. From there, it was a matter of time before Oldham put Fulham out of its misery in front of the Hammersmith End. First, Kebano should have put this game to bed after receiving a terrific ball from Tom Cairney and was left all alone between him and the goalkeeper. But instead of rounding Daniel Iverson, Kebano smashed it well wide.

Next, Ryan Sessegnon was marking a center back for some unbeknown reason and resulted in giving up a penalty by taking him down in the penalty area. From there Surridge converted and it was game on. Next, Fulham had their chance to make to reclaim the lead when Cairney may or may not have done the greatest acting job of all time to get a VAR reviewed penalty just in time for the Golden Globes. But Aleksander Mitrovic was assigned to take it in his first kick of anger. The result was a comfortable save by Iverson that riled up the Oldham supporters at the Putney End and demanded victory. That is what they got thanks to a weakly marked Calum Lang heading home an accurate cross to send them home with a historic victory.

Both sides got completely everything that they deserved: especially Fulham. This was much greater than a reserve side Ranieri put out and they lost to a middling League Two side. If that doesn't seal relegation, I genuinely don't know what does. Fulham have been so horrifyingly overrated in attack, the midfield has not gelled well at all since the arrivals of Seri and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa and the defense has been historically bad. Tony Kahn has nobody to blame but themselves and it just feels like absolutely nothing has been learned by the ownership group and board since 2014. Unless Fulham prove me wrong against Burnley next week, that is what we're confined too. Because I don't know where else I can find the optimism with this year's team.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/1/6/18170994/fulham-1-oldham-athletic-2

WhiteJC

 
Fulham eyeing move for Bordeaux's Youssouf Sabaly

Fulham want Youssouf Sabaly

Fulham are eyeing a move for Bordeaux defender Youssouf Sabaly, according to French outlet L'Equipe.

Bordeaux are said to have rejected Fulham's first offer for Sabaly but talks remain ongoing.

Sabaly spent a season on loan at Bordeaux from PSG before eventually making his switch permanent in July of 2017 for a fee of around £3.6m.

The 25-year-old would never actually make his PSG senior debut but has since impressed for his current club.

Sabaly has made 85 appearances across all competitions for the French outfit, in which he has earned 13 assists.

The full-back has been in and out of the Bordereaux side this season after suffering a knee injury. But he has still managed to play 13 games across all competitions, in which he has assisted two.

Fulham's poor defensive record

Given Fulham's poor defensive record this season, it is no surprise they are reportedly in the market for a defender.

After 21 league games this campaign, Fulham have let in an astonishing 47 goals, the worst record in the Premier League.

They have also kept just two clean sheets in the league this season.

Those clean sheets came against Huddersfield and Newcastle, the two lowest scoring sides in the Premier League.

Fulham's poor defence was once again on display on Sunday as they conceded two vs Oldham Athletic.



https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/fulham-eyeing-move-for-bordeauxs-youssouf-sabaly/

WhiteJC

 
Latics go Wild as they stun Premier League Fulham

ALEKSANDAR Mitrovic missed a hotly-contested penalty as Fulham were dumped out of the FA Cup 2-1 by Oldham.

Callum Lang headed in the League Two side's 89th-minute winner to stun the Premier League hosts and prompt extended touchline celebrations from caretaker boss and lifelong supporter Pete Wild.

Denis Odoi's goal early in the second half meant Fulham were expecting to coast home, only for Oldham to turn the tide.

Bournemouth loan striker Sam Surridge equalised from the penalty spot after Ryan Sessegnon fouled Oldham captain Peter Clarke with his first act after stepping off the bench.

And then Lang buried Gevaro Nepomuceno's teasing cross, to spark exuberant celebrations on both the Oldham bench and among the delirious travelling supporters.

Replacement striker Mitrovic had spurned the chance to put Fulham back in front from the spot just moments before Oldham's winner however.

The Serbia striker's first touch after replacing captain Tom Cairney was to step up and strike the penalty – only to see goalkeeper Daniel Iversen produce a fine save at full stretch.

Fulham's penalty had only been awarded after a lengthy check from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), with Oldham furious and insistent Christopher Missilou had not connected with Cairney, and that the Fulham skipper had taken a dive.

Mitrovic was the man fuming when Aboubakar Kamara insisted on overruling club orders to take and miss a penalty in Fulham's 1-0 win over Huddersfield on December 29.

The former Newcastle man proved the hero that day, stealing a late winner.

But in this big FA Cup shock, it was the 24-year-old's turn to miss from the spot.

That failed penalty ensured one level of justice then, before Oldham dished out their own brand of summary sentencing with Lang sealing an old-fashioned cup upset.

Fulham will also rue Neeskens Kebano missing a gilt-edged chance in front of goal on a hugely disappointing afternoon for the Cottagers.

Claudio Ranieri's men should have had more than enough to coast through despite six changes to their line-up, but whether through expectation or malaise, the hosts so often lacked any genuine impetus.

Fulham finally found some purpose after a goalless first half, taking the lead once they had warmed to the task.

Kebano cut to the byline and stood up a far-post cross, and though the well-marked Floyd Ayite could only head skywards, the ball stayed in the danger area.

Odoi raced onto the second ball, chested down and tucked away a neat finish, to calm a frustrated home crowd.

Kebano should have doubled the lead when Cairney threaded a fine ball to send him racing clear, but the Democratic Republic of Congo forward curled his effort the wrong side of the post.

That miss quickly haunted the hosts, with Sessegnon rightly conceding the penalty for holding Oldham skipper Clarke in the box.

Surridge stepped up and buried the equaliser, sending the raucous visiting fans into raptures.

Suddenly Mitrovic arrived off the bench for that disputed penalty, and when he failed with that attempt, the game threw up yet another twist.

Fulham were still coming to terms with Mitrovic's miss when Oldham stalked up the other end, and Lang thumped home to seal a fine victory.



https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/sport/17338713.latics-go-wild-as-they-stun-premier-league-fulham/


WhiteJC

 
The Fulham career of Rangers target Kevin McDonald is surely over after FA Cup snub

Recent reports from football.london have linked Fulham's Kevin McDonald with a January transfer to Rangers.

After McDonald suffered an FA Cup snub this weekend for the Whites, it appears his Fulham career is coming to an end amid rumours of a return to his native Scotland.

Although the Scottish international signed a new deal at Craven Cottage this summer, the Fulham promotion hero has struggled to nail down a consistent role in the Premier League.

McDonald has started just seven games all season, and although he recently came on as a substitute on Boxing Day, was dropped out of the squad for the following matches against Huddersfield and Arsenal.

Embarrassingly for the midfielder, the previously-exiled Ibrahima Cisse has overtaken McDonald in the Fulham pecking order, starting two consecutive matches versus Arsenal and Oldham.

The Oldham cup tie was an excellent opportunity for McDonald to get game time and impress Claudio Ranieri, yet the holding midfielder was completely absent from the matchday squad.

Such a devastating blow surely spells the end of McDonald's time in SW6, as Fulham's manager appears to have made up his mind on the departure of the Scot.

With Kevin McDonald conspicuously missing from Fulham's team on Sunday, Rangers look set to close in on an impressive deal that would secure the services of the dominating midfielder.



https://tbrfootball.com/the-fulham-career-of-rangers-target-kevin-mcdonald-is-surely-over-after-fa-cup-snub/

WhiteJC

 
Report: Leeds United target Fabri closing in on a return to Besiktas

According to reports from The Mirror (transfer live blog, 00:21), Fulham goalkeeper Fabri is reportedly closing in on a return to Turkish club Besiktas.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper joined the Cottagers last summer, but he is set to leave the club after making just two appearances in the Premier League.

He has struggled badly, and has dropped down the pecking order at the club. The report claim (via Milliyet), Besiktas have opened talks over a deal to bring him back to Istanbul.

The news will come as a blow to Leeds United.

Last week, reports from Turkey (h/t Leeds Live), claimed that the Whites have considered Fulham's out-of-favour Spanish stopper Fabri as one of their targets.

Leeds are badly in need of signing a goalkeeper in January after Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman returned to his parent club. Marcelo Bielsa has remained tight lipped on his transfer plans, but the Argentine has hinted recently that he needs reinforcement in one or two areas.

The Whites have other targets as well, and it remains unclear how much they were interested in Fabri. Nevertheless, if indeed Leeds had shown interest in him, the news will come a blow, as it seems he is heading back to Turkey instead.



https://sportslens.com/report-leeds-united-target-fabri-closing-in-on-a-return-to-besiktas/255151/