Saturday Fulham Stuff (10/03/19)...

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Claudio Ranieri and Fulham: A match made in hell

After a hot-and-cold managerial track record, Claudio Ranieri etched his name into legend when he took a Leicester City side fancied for relegation and miraculously guided them to a staggering Premier League title in 2016.

But the man who gained plaudits and admiration from football fans around the world with his smiley, eccentric attitude, has lost himself in the managerial merry-go-round ever since.

Nine months after he delivered the Foxes their most coveted piece of silverware, Leicester took the harsh, albeit understandable decision to sack Ranieri.

It was an astonishing, unforeseen decision from Leicester's managing directors after the club endured a reality check; finding themselves in the midst of a relegation battle halfway through the following season.

Craig Shakespeare took over, guiding them to mid-table safety before he himself was sacked just eight months later.

Having departed Midlands club in February 2017, Ranieri endured a testing spell in France with Ligue 1 club Nantes. Despite guiding the club to a ninth-place finish, Ranieri struggled to nail down a working relationship with club president Waldemar Kita after a series of disagreements.

The Italian allegedly 'challenged' the club to sack him if they weren't happy. But according to Kita, the decision he made to sack Ranieri had nothing to do with his fractured relationship with the manager.

Ranieri had been subject to criticism on certain team selections, but he nonetheless had a positive season in France in terms of results.

Only eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain and Montpellier conceded fewer goals than Nantes, and between the likes of Diego Carlos and Emiliano Sala, the Canaries had a gritty, tough-as-nails spine.

After his short-lived spell across the English border, Fulham handed Ranieri the baton on November 14, 2018.

He took charge of a club who were leaking goals at an alarming rate and found themselves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.

The Italian took over from Slaviša Jokanović, who had managed to achieve promotion with the Cottagers just six months earlier.

Despite a record haul in the transfer market, poor recruitment and an inability to adapt to the demands of Premier League football caught Fulham out of their depth.

The owners replaced the beloved Jokanović with a man whose last spell in England saw him pull off the greatest miracle in Premier League history.

Ranieri had managed the likes of Roma, Parma, Juventus, and Monaco, before lasting a brief spell in charge of the Greece national team, where he failed to get out of the group stage in Euro 2016 qualifying. But this job would prove to be the Italian's toughest managerial assessment to date.

Although Ranieri has managed at the top level of European football, his managerial exploits prove dubious in terms of the period of time he's endured at a football club.

In his illustrious managerial career, Ranieri's longest spell in charge remains the four years he spent at Stamford Bridge between 2000 and 2004.

However, in his fight for job stability, he hasn't always helped himself with his peculiar team selections. In his first spell in the Premier League, he inherited the nickname 'Tinkerman' for his continuous change of system and personnel each game.

The Fulham owner spoke about the appointment of Ranieri as 'risk-free'. But in the peril that Fulham found themselves in, Ranieri would have to pull off a miracle tantamount to that of three years prior in order to sail Fulham above the dreaded dotted line.

The 'new managerial bounce' proved fruitful in Ranieri's first game in charge. A brace from Fulham's hitman Aleksandar Mitrović ensured the Cottagers picked up a crucial three points against fellow relegation strugglers Southampton.

Despite winning in the league for the first time since August, Fulham's defensive antics nearly bereft them of collecting maximum points by conceding two goals – something supporters had grown accustomed to in the top flight.

After recapturing the feel-good factor at Craven Cottage in his opening game in charge, Ranieri ultimately failed to fix Fulham's defensive woes and the 'Tinkerman' approach that he promised to deliver became a method which was heading on a downward spiral.

The results that followed didn't make for impressive reading either; Fulham only managed to pick up two points from their following six games, and Ranieri struggled to implement his tactical philosophy.

Fulham managed fairly impressive draws against Leicester City and Wolves, but they couldn't get the victories they needed to dig themselves out of the cellar.

A month after registering his first victory, a solitary goal and clean sheet saw off fellow relegation stragglers Huddersfield before the turn of the year. But a dismal beginning to 2019, which saw the Cottagers bow out of the FA Cup to League One side Oldham, put Ranieri's job in peril.

An inability to eradicate defensive errors from their game and a lack of leadership and organisation put Fulham eight points adrift of safety with 12 games to go.

Fulham lost seven out of their eight matches in the first two months of the new year, only managing a lone victory against Brighton.

Ranieri was on thin ice. A man famed for his eccentric attitude and contagious smile, ultimately lost his job after the Cottagers whimpered against Southampton and succumbed to a 2-0 loss – a nail in the coffin for the Tinkerman and the final hopes of staying up for Fulham.

Many expected Fulham to rise from the trenches upon Ranieri's appointment and climb their way to safety.

But the Italian was in for an uphill battle from the start – his reign at Fulham would have either enhanced or tarnished his credible CV. Unfortunately, the latter is what transpired in his brief spell at the East London club.

Fulham's poor season comes down to terrible summer transfer recruitment. They didn't follow the model for newly promoted clubs, which is maintaining the core of their promotion squad and not splashing hundreds of millions of pounds on signings.

Unfortunately, Fulham took a risk by bringing in new players amounting to a cost of well over the £100million mark. In total, Fulham brought in 15 new arrivals, four of which cost more than £15 million.

The minimum expectation would be Premier League safety for such a tremendous outlay in the transfer market, but football isn't played on balance sheets.

At the club's disadvantage, Jokanović attempted to brandish the style of football which proved successful at Championship level, but it was simply unfeasible to replicate in England's top division.

The vibrant passing style was pretty on the eye, but it was never going to cut it in the rigorous Premier League. The style proved to leave gaping holes in defence, and his side kept on being caught out by trying to play out from the back.

The Serbian manager failed to adapt even when his back-line continued to be overflown with goals. Eventually, Jokanović paid the ultimate price for failing to plug up a leaky defense, leaving the club that he had shepherded to promotion just months earlier.

Fulham massively overpaid in an overinflated market for players who were unknown quantities at Premier League level. Signings such as deadline-day signing André-Frank Zambo Anguissa from Marseille for £30 million and Jean Michael Seri £27 million, the latter of which had previously been linked to Chelsea and Barcelona.

They also signed Alfie Mawson for £15 million from a relegated Swansea side, goalkeeper Fabri for a fee of £5 million and the loan signing of World Cup winner André Schürrle, who has failed miserably at the club despite initially promising expectations.

In an interview with German magazine Kicker last month, Schürrle confirmed that his two-year loan would be cut short should Fulham face the drop, although he refuted his claim days later, arguing that his quotes were mistranslated.

While Schürrle has admitted that he isn't the type to lead, remarks like that aren't exactly going to fire up your teammates in the midst of a relegation battle.

Despite the majority of their signings failing to impress, the only arrival who has made an impact on their team is Aleksandar Mitrović.

The old-fashioned battering ram of a centre forward has provided Fulham with a focal point that they haven't utilised enough, yet Mitrovic has managed to fashion chances by himself on many occasions.

As proven last season, when he scored 12 goals for Fulham after arriving in February, Mitrović is too good for the Championship, and it's hard to see him continuing at the club with a bevy of Premier League suitors interested.

Without the goals of the Serbian hitman, Fulham would be cut even further adrift at the bottom of the table. His 10 goals this season have had a hand in contributing to 65% of Fulham's points. A remarkable statistic, one which shows how invaluable he is to this Fulham side.

In a season where consistency has bereft Fulham, the two managers in charge of the Cottagers certainly haven't helped their case. Under Ranieri, Fulham changed their starting formation eight times in his 16 Premier League games in charge, mainly utilising the 4-2-3-1, 3-4-3 and 4-4-1-1 formation in his short-lived spell.

There is a time and place to change systems and experiment with new players, but when your team is rooted to the bottom of the table, constantly changing formation is only going to confuse the players. It was never going to be easy for the Tinkerman, but he didn't help himself with his decisions either.

Although Fulham spent big in the summer, a team with language barriers and a lack of established Premier League experience will always require a natural leader in order to steer clear of relegation.

The Cottagers failed to bring some defensive steel and leadership know-how after reaching a stalemate in negotiations with Gary Cahill.

There was also the opportunity to loan in Ranieri favorite Danny Drinkwater, a solid central midfield option, natural leader and former Premier League winner too.

Both players are currently out of favour at Chelsea and would have benefitted from regular game time, and both could've made a difference to Fulham's season by galvanising the squad and offering much-needed steel in areas that the team are crying out for: central defense and defensive midfield, respectively.

Thanks to a flawed transfer structure and a lack of defensive organisation, Fulham will almost certainly be going back to the Championship without so much as a fight to stay alive. A season to forget for the fans and the Tinkerman himself.



https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/claudio-ranieri-and-fulham-a-match-made-in-hell?key=newsnow

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Leicester vs Fulham preview: Brendan Rodgers takes charge of first home game

Brendan Rodgers will take charge of his first Leicester home game on Saturday when Scott Parker's Fulham visit in the Premier League.

Rodgers suffered a last-minute defeat in Sunday's 2-1 loss at Watford in his first game, but was quick to point out the positives from the performance.

He now has another week of training with the team under his belt and is not underestimating the task that Fulham will pose.

He said: "All games are very difficult to forecast. People will look at chunks of five games and think 'right, you can get points here' but you never know what the other team is going to bring to the game.

"Scott has come in and Fulham had a good performance last week, so he will want to continue with that this weekend."

Caretaker boss Parker maintains it is "not mission impossible" to keep Fulham in the Premier League. With nine matches remaining, they are ten points adrift of safety and with a vastly inferior goal difference to the team they are chasing in 17th place, Southampton.

"It is not mission impossible, because there are games to play and points to be had," Parker said. "I would be sitting here lying if I said it was an easy task ahead of us. That is obviously not the case but while there is realism we'll give it all we have got."

"When you're in this position we are in, every game is going to be a must-win game from now until the end of the season. We have to understand that.

"Obviously it is a very tough game ahead of us but every game is in this league. We're looking forward to it but understand the challenge we face and the predicament we're in."

Team news

Marc Albrighton (hamstring) and Daniel Amartey (ankle) are out but Jamie Vardy is fit after needing stitches in his tongue following a clash with Ben Foster.

Marcus Bettinelli, Alfie Mawson (knee) and Andre Schurrle (illness) will be out for Fulham, although the latter could be back in contention next week.

Opta stats

Leicester have won none of their five Premier League games against Fulham (D3 L2), scoring just one goal in those matches.

Fulham have only faced Norwich (8) more often without defeat in the Premier League than they have Leicester (5).

Leicester have won just one of their last eight Premier League games (D1 L6). Indeed, only Fulham (3) have picked up fewer points from their last eight Premier League matches than Leicester (4).

Fulham have lost eight of their last nine Premier League matches (W1), shipping at least twice in each game. Only twice has a team conceded 2+ goals in 10 consecutive Premier League games - West Brom in 2010-11 and Wimbledon in 1999-00.

Leicester are looking to win consecutive home league games within the same season for the first time since January 2018.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has won all six of his Premier League meetings with Fulham. Only Jose Mourinho vs Portsmouth and Roberto Mancini vs Wigan (both 7/7) have better 100% win rates against an opponent in the competition.

Against Watford, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers kept up his record of failing to win his opening league game at any of the clubs he's managed in English football. In fact, at his previous four clubs, Swansea are the only side at which he managed to win his second league match in charge.

Jamie Vardy is currently on 99 goals for Leicester in all competitions. He could become the seventh player to reach 100 for the Foxes, and the first since Gary Lineker.

Merson's prediction

Brendan Rodgers has been able to work with the Leicester players for a whole week now and get his ideas across. I think Leicester will win this game, there will be a feel-good factor around the club with it being a home game. It's a nice game for Rodgers to have as his first at the King Power.

I thought Fulham did alright against Chelsea on Sunday, and there were times when they caused Chelsea problems. This time, they will have to come out and chase the game because Jamie Vardy, James Maddison and Demarai Gray with their pace will be able to punish Fulham. It was alright against Chelsea, they could sit back and counter-attack, but now they need to win.

PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (12/1 with Sky Bet)



https://www.skysports.com/football/leicester-vs-fulham/preview/391052

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Ranieri's camp 'resolving contract' with Fulham to help manager take new job today

Following AS Roma's elimination from the Champions League round of 16 at the hands of FC Porto, they sacked their manager Eusebio Di Francesco on Thursday.

Even before the Italian's dismissal was made official, Tutto Mercato Web reported on March 7th that Claudio Ranieri was considered as the 'wild card' candidate to replace Di Francesco at Stadio Olimpico.

On February 28th, the former Leicester City boss was also sacked from Fulham after managing 16 Premier League games at the Cottagers.

Calciomercato now claims Ranieri's appointment as the new Roma manager is expected to be made official today and he will be offered a short contract until the end of the season, worth €500,000.

It is further claimed that there could be a delay of a few hours before it's made official because Ranieri's camp are 'resolving the contract' with Fulham, where he was shown the exit door.

Ranieri is expected to arrive around 1pm, as long as the Fulham contractual issues can be sorted out.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/ranieris-camp-resolving-contract-fulham-taking-next-job-later-today/

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Inside The King Power Stadium

Leicester fan Jamie Roberts gives his take on what he expects from Brendan Rogers' first game in charge on Saturday afternoon.

What was your reaction to the appointment of Brendan Rodgers?

I was reasonably happy with his appointment; I think he is the right type of manager to carry on what Puel has started. There is a contingent of city fans who will just be happy his face fits and for Rodgers that is fortunately half the battle with our fans.
Were you surprised to see Claude Puel depart?

I was disappointed but I wasn't surprised. I think he did some great things whilst here regardless of results, when he arrived we were 18th, we managed to finish 9th that year. Since then he has bedded in a number of young players and completely changed the way we play which we desperately needed. He also doesn't get enough credit for how he handles the Mahrez situation in January and how difficult it was to lose him.

But a lot of fans disliked him from day one and there was a terrible atmosphere amongst fans coupled with results. A change was always going to happen.
A disappointing first game for Rodgers - what was your take on the Watford match?

It was much of what we have seen all year. Concede early, then go on to dominate possession before making an error and losing the game.

We lack an intensity when going forward and creating chances. The slow build up and possession based attacking is great but you have to take your chances with it and we haven't all year.
It looked like a new formation in that game - do you expect him to stick with that at the weekend?

Possibly, it worked really well for us in the back end of the great escape season, a major part of it will be finding consistency in the back three. It does allow Chilwell and Ricardo to get forward and use their pace but it did leave N'didi and Tielemans a little exposed at times. If we can get the balance right between the back three being solid and unified and going forward and creating, chances it should do us well.
Who have been Leicester's better performers over the course of the season?

They have been a little few and far between but the 2-1 Vs Man City at home and the 1-0 away at Chelsea in and around Christmas stick out.
Where do you think you'll end up come May?

We have dropped out of the battle to win the Premier league B division (7th) and with nothing to play for and Rodgers trying out players and systems before the summer I'd go for 11th.
Which Fulham players do you think could cause you problems?

Mitro will definitely cause us issues, we struggle with defending crosses especially against big men. If he can get the service on Saturday I'd back him to score.
What's the best and worst thing about a trip to the King Power?

The best thing is the way we have been playing at home this year there is a good chance you'll get at least a point from your trip (Also there is a hotel on the corner that has an outside bar and BBQ). The worst thing is  the price of a train from Leicester to London is ridiculous.
Any good recommendations for away fans to go for a pre-match pint?

Soar Point and Bowling Green are a nice distance from the ground, not too expensive and away fan friendly.
What sort of match are you anticipating on Saturday?

I think it will be an open game, you need the points and the home fans are desperate to see an attacking performance.
What score prediction are you going for, and why?

I'm going to go for 3-1 to Leicester, It's Rodgers' first home game in charge and the players will be desperate to impress.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/march/08/inside-the-king-power-stadium

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What Scott Parker wants to see from Fulham when they visit Leicester City

Fulham put in a spirited display against Maurizio Sarri's side last time out

Fulham interim boss Scott Parker knows his side are reaching the stage where each point is crucial in their quest for Premier League survival.

The Cottagers sit in 19th place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday's clash with Leicester City (3pm), 10 points adrift of safety.

Fulham sacked ex-City boss Claudio Ranieri last week having appointed him in November , replacing him with Parker after the Italian failed in his quest to revive the survival hopes of the Craven Cottage side.

Since the reverse fixture in early December, the Whites have picked up just eight points from 42 available.

However, an improved display in Parker's first match in charge, a 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Sunday, has offered encouragement.

"When you're in the position we're in, every game is a must win game. We understand that every game is tough, we know the challenges and the predicament we are in," Parker said.

"There was a real focus to try and unite the club and bring the fans closer to the players. We understand we are in a job to win games. I'd be lying if I said it was easy. While it's realistic to at least try and stay up we will still give it everything.

"The heart and determination against Chelsea was excellent. That was a foundation we need to build upon. At this moment in time it's a role for nine games that I've been put in charge of.

"Every decision I make will be in the best interest of Fulham Football Club which will hopefully improve them. I never doubted that we would get the reaction we did. The tough job is backing that up with another similar performance."



https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-leicester-city-scott-parker-2620721

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Leicester City's Brendan Rodgers and Fulham's Scott Parker prove a lot can change in two weeks

Two new bosses take charge of only their second games for their new clubs on Saturday.

If Leicester City had faced Fulham two weeks ago the technical area would have been occupied by two very familiar faces.

City's legendary title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri would have stood, arms-folded with a studious look on his face, in the unfamiliar territory of the away technical area as Cottagers boss, while the City incumbent Claude Puel would have been gesticulating, nostrils flaring, from the artificial turf of the home area just a few metres away.

A lot can change in two weeks and tomorrow there will be two much younger faces orchestrating the respective affairs of the two sides.

In the home dug-out will be Brendan Rodgers, City's newly arrived boss, taking charge of his first home game.

Still only 46 but with 25 years experience of coaching an managing.

That is well over two decades more experience than Fulham's caretaker manager, following the sacking of Ranieri, Scott Parker.

The 38-year-old former Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham midfielder – he likes London, except for his 55 league games for Newcastle United – has managed just one game so far, a defeat to Chelsea.

However, Rodgers believes Parker, who he knows from his time coaching at Stamford Bridge, has all the credentials to ensure he takes charge of a few more games as manager – quite a few more.

"Yeah, I know Scott well," Rodgers said.

"I first worked with him at Chelsea when I was there, and we've spoken a number of times.

"He's done his work. He's had a fantastic career as a player, gone behind the scenes and done some work at Tottenham, working with youth players.

"He's always been a good thinker of the game, Scott, and like I say, I'm sure he'll do very well."

After the game, certainly not before, Rodgers may offer the fledgling boss some advice, and one nugget that Rodgers has learned over 25 years is no football manager is an island.

Share the burden and share the glory. It seems to have done Rodgers well over the years, and judging by the size of his backroom team at City, he is true to his word.

"What you learn with experiences is that you can't do it on your own," he adds.

"I did a presentation with the staff here and it's about us being one club with one one clear vision.

"If you can work that way and you can work together it gives you a greater chance to succeed.

"The staff, supporters, I always think together we will be stronger.

"The staff have been been brilliant since I came here with the help and support. I feel really comfortable here, like I've been here a lot longer.

"That is a huge credit to the city and the people who work at the club."

It may only be less than a fortnight since both of them were in very different roles, but already Rodgers feels at home at City, and if rumours are to be believed, Parker could be in the hotseat at Fulham for longer than this season.

A lot can change in two weeks in football.



https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leicester-citys-brendan-rodgers-fulhams-2622101

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Leicester City v Fulham
SAT 09 Mar 2019   Premier League
Venue: King Power Stadium

Jamie Vardy is fit to face Fulham and is chasing his 100th Leicester goal

TEAM NEWS

Leicester's Jamie Vardy is fit despite needing stitches in his tongue after a clash of heads in the loss at Watford.

Marc Albrighton and Daniel Amartey remain sidelined with respective hamstring and ankle injuries.

Fulham have no fresh injury problems. Forward Andre Schurrle is still out with a virus, although the German could be ready to return next week.

Alfie Mawson is recovering from knee surgery and hopes to be back playing before the end of the season.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

@ConorMcNamaraIE: There's a reason these clubs have changed managers. Leicester and Fulham have had the worst form in the Premier League over the past 10 games, Fulham losing eight of their last nine.

Brendan Rodgers and Scott Parker, who know each other well from their time at Chelsea, both lost their respective first games in charge last weekend.

One big plus for Rodgers is that Jamie Vardy appears to be back in form with three goals in his last four games. Vardy's next for the club will be his 100th in Leicester colours.

The last man to achieve that milestone was...Gary Lineker.

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers: "All games are very difficult to forecast. People will look at chunks of five games and think 'Right, you can get points here' but you never know what the other team is going to bring to the game.

"Scott [Parker] has come in and Fulham had a good performance last week, so he will want to continue with that this weekend."

Fulham caretaker manager Scott Parker on avoiding relegation: "It is not mission impossible because there are games to play and points to be had.

"I would be sitting here lying if I said it was an easy task ahead of us. That is obviously not the case but while there is realism we'll give it all we have got."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Brendan Rodgers lost his first game as Leicester manager, at Watford last weekend, but this is a good opportunity for him to get up and running.

In the defeat by Chelsea, Fulham got a lift from Scott Parker taking charge of his first game, but it boiled down to the quality of the players - and they lost because they just were not good enough.

Prediction: 2-0

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Leicester haven't won any of the five Premier League meetings, scoring just once in those games (D3, L2).
    Four of the past five encounters have been in cup competitions, with the teams also drawing 1-1 in the Premier League in December.

Leicester City

    Leicester have lost four of their last five Premier League matches, winning the other.
    Their form over the past 10 games would put them in the bottom three in the Premier League (W2, D1, L7).
    The Foxes have have lost three Premier League matches to goals in the 90th minute or later this season, more than any other side.
    They've also conceded five goals inside the opening five minutes of league matches this season, the joint-highest total in the division.
    Brendan Rodgers has won all six of his Premier League meetings with Fulham.
    Leicester's last three permanent managers - Claudio Ranieri, Craig Shakespeare and Claude Puel - all won their opening Premier League home fixture as manager.
    Jamie Vardy has 99 goals in all competitions for Leicester. He could become the seventh player to score 100 for the club, and the first since Gary Lineker.

Fulham

    Fulham have lost eight of their past nine league matches and are in danger of losing six in a row for the second time this season.
    They could concede twice for the 10th match in a row, which would equal the Premier League record held by Wimbledon and West Brom.
    Their tally of 65 Premier League goals conceded this campaign is at least eight more than any other team.
    Fulham have lost their last five away games in the Premier League, and have picked up just two points from a possible 30 on the road this season, the worst record in the top four English tiers.
    They have failed to score in more than half of their league games this season: 15 of 29.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47424846

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Scott Parker to work within Fulham transfer structure if he lands full-time job


Caretaker boss: Scott Parker ( EPA )

Scott Parker has indicated he would work within the recruitment structure at Fulham if he lands the manager's job on a full-time basis.

The club have a "both boxes ticked" approach in which any signing must be approved by data analysis and more traditional scouting methods.

Slavisa Jokanovic was unhappy with the transfer policy last summer and wanted greater control when Fulham spent more than £100million on 12 new players. But director of football operations Tony Khan is unlikely to change his approach.

Parker, appointed as caretaker manager last week after Claudio Ranieri was sacked, said: "If you take the job you need to understand the processes and what it is in place. If you are comfortable with that then it is something you move forward with."

Fulham travel to Leicester on Saturday desperately needing a win to boost their slim chances of avoiding relegation.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham/scott-parker-to-work-within-fulham-transfer-structure-if-he-lands-fulltime-job-a4086501.html

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Manchester United loanee issues stunning apology to Fulham fans for 'not showing his best'

The defender took to social media with an honest message about the season so far.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has apologised to the Fulham fans after what has been a 'disappointing' season.

The defender, who is currently on loan from Manchester United, has not started a Premier League game for the west London side since being taken off at half-time in the away defeat to Huddersfield Town.

While things are still far from rosy at Craven Cottage, things do seem a little more upbeat after Scott Parker took over as caretaker manager - and Fosu-Mensah is determined to show the Fulham fans what he can do between now and the end of the season.

In a statement on Twitter, he said: "I want to apologise to the Fulham fans for not being able to show the best me. It's been a difficult season but I'm so grateful that you've stuck by the team.

"This is a beautiful club and I will work as hard as I can to show you what I'm capable of and my appreciation. Thank you."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/manchester-united-loanee-issues-stunning-15942715

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Five teams separated by just six points and nine games to go... the race to escape relegation from the Premier League is hotting up as Cardiff take on four of the Big Six and Brighton face nightmare run on the road

    The battle to avoid Premier League relegation is hotting up with nine games left
    Both Huddersfield and Fulham look resigned as they sit so far adrift of rivals
    Newcastle, Brighton, Burnley, Southampton and Cardiff are all still in danger
    Sportsmail runs the rule over five candidates who could take the final position

With nine games to go, the pressure is on at the bottom of the Premier League with players, managers and club officials doing all in their power to avoid relegation.

The Premier League brings with it a wealth of resources and finances and dropping down to the Championship can set a club back years. For Huddersfield Town (currently bottom) and Fulham (second bottom, 10 points from safety) it appears their chances of survival have all but passed their expiration date. 

What that in mind, Sportsmail runs the rule over the five potential candidates who could join Fulham and Huddersfield in dropping down to the Championship next season...


While Fulham and Huddersfield look down already, the relegation race is fiercely competitive

Newcastle United

14th, 31 points, -10 goal difference

Rafa Benitez will be far happier than his rival managers to be where he is at this stage.

At the start of the year the position looked more precarious but after a revival which has seen four successive home wins - including a 2-1 win over league leaders Manchester City - optimism has returned.

Salomon Rondon is vitally important. His contribution cannot be understated and is a big reason they have the edge on their rivals right now.

A season-ending injury to Sean Longstaff comes at the worst possible time but with run-ins particularly difficult for Cardiff and Brighton, Newcastle will be confident of wrapping up safety in three games.

Aside from the final home game against title-chasing Liverpool, Newcastle will be confident going into every tie. There is a realistic chance of winning every game, starting with Everton on Saturday.

Usually the magic number is 40 points but if Benitez's side win their next two games they will be all-but-safe in the eyes of the masses. It's in their hands. 

Key man: Salomon Rondon 

Relegation danger rating: 1/5

Brighton

15th, 30 points, -11 goal difference

The Seagulls look scarily short on confidence right now, even after a nervy 1-0 win over Huddersfield.

Chris Hughton and the supporters can sense the need to put a winning run together sooner rather than later.

A fierce derby with Crystal Palace comes next - and how the Eagles would love to hammer another nail into Brighton's relegation coffin on Saturday.

Brighton are without an away win in the league since December 1 and will be wary that they still have to travel to Palace, Tottenham, Wolves and Arsenal.

Wins over Southampton, Bournemouth and Newcastle at home are absolutely essential and could well be enough to ensure safety.

Anything less and they will be anxiously relying on slip-ups from those around them. 

Key man: Glenn Murray

Relegation danger rating: 3/5

Southampton

17th, 27 points, -17 goal difference

Since the arrival of Ralph Hasenhuttl, Southampton have been handed a lifeline.

The 'Alpine Klopp' has breathed new life into a group of players that looked to be sleep-walking into the second tier.

Wins over Leicester, Everton and Fulham recently bodes well and they have one of the better run-ins between now and the end of the season.

A dramatic 3-2 defeat at Manchester United saw them leave with plenty of positives; they won't face sides of that quality every week.

Despite having Tottenham and Liverpool in the next three, it looks favourable thereafter with Wolves, Bournemouth and Huddersfield Town all due on the south coast.

James Ward-Prowse has found form under Hasenhuttl and a favourable set of fixtures puts them in pole position to avoid the drop. 

Key man: James Ward-Prowse

Relegation danger rating: 2/5

Cardiff City

18th, 25 points, -32 goal difference

Before the season began, Cardiff were given no hope.

They looked the part in the Championship but Neil Warnock's budget could not compete with a number of the club's rivals.

Fulham spent £100m while Cardiff continued to search for diamonds in the rough.

That has proven to backfire and the Bluebirds have shipped goals for fun, possessing the third worst goal difference in the division.

Remaining fixtures are a worry, too.

Neil Warnock's side still have to play four of the top six including trips to both Manchester clubs.

Home games will be vitally important and players such as Bobby Reid will be expected to dig deep and find some creative spark to give the club a fighting chance.

The trip to Burnley on April 13 is a make-or-break moment. Lose that and their race is probably run in the Premier League. 

Key man: Bobby Reid

Relegation danger rating: 4/5 



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6786367/With-nine-games-race-escape-relegation-Premier-League-hotting-up.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Scott Parker on the prospect of Ryan Sessegnon agreeing to extend his stay at Fulham

The 18-year-old is yet to put pen-to-paper on a contract with his current deal set to expire in 2020.

It's been a frustrating campaign for everyone associated with Fulham Football Club - but no one more than Ryan Sessegnon.

The English wonderkid was expected to take the Premier League by storm after guiding his boyhood club to promotion last season.

However a disjointed season has seen him drop in and out of the side meaning that the 18-year-old has only been able to show glimpses of his undoubted talent.

Sessegnon's current deal is set to expire at the end of next season, but Fulham have reportedly been trying to tie the left-sided player to a new long-term deal.

Interest in the 18-year-old is likely to be high this summer, something which could be the reason for the lengthy discussions, however when asked about the situation, caretaker boss Scott Parker says that he hopes the midfielder knows how highly he's rated.

Asked about progress on a new deal, Parker said: "There is not in that sense.

"He was first class at the weekend. He came into the game and got stringer and stronger.

"I think Ryan knows what this club thinks of him. Hopefully things will fall into place."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/scott-park-prospect-ryan-sessegnon-15941779

[WhiteJC]

 
How Calum Chambers is giving Arsenal encouraging options for the future



Fulham are currently in the midst of an extremely disappointing season. Accumulating just 17 points after 29 league matches, the Cottagers have a pretty good chance of being relegated to the second tier when the current campaign ends. However, one of the few bright spots for the west London outfit has been Calum Chambers. The loanee from Arsenal has been a solid addition to the struggling side, yet he wasn't a hit from the beginning of his time at the club.

Normally deployed as a defender, Chambers began his season across London in the center back role. After poor displays against Crystal Palace and Tottenham, the occasional England international then lost his starting place in central defense. At the time, both then manager Slaviša Jokanović and Fulham fans alike were fairly unimpressed with the Arsenal man. The turning point in Chambers' season was certainly the 4-2 defeat to Cardiff City in October. The defender was tormented by winger Josh Murphy, so much so that Chambers was substituted at half time by his manager.

It was after the Cardiff match that Chambers was then moved into midfield. While the experiment did not exactly turn Fulham's season around as a whole, it did show that the defender can be confidently deployed in a midfield role. The defensive midfielder position, however, is not necessarily something new to Chambers. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger gave the usual defender two starts in midfield, as well as a handful of substitute appearances in the middle of the pitch between 2015 and 2016. Nevertheless, success at this position is certainly a relatively new experience for Chambers.

Although his team is still struggling, Chambers is putting together a solid campaign since the positional switch. Statistically, his numbers are both impressive and surprising. The 24-year-old Englishman is averaging more interceptions per 90 minutes in the new position than Idrissa Gueye and Wilfried Ndidi and as many clearances as Manchester City's Fernandinho.

Per 90 minutes (at least 10 apps in position)



So with Chambers playing so well in midfield with Fulham, the question remains: what should Arsenal do with him? Positionally, right back is most likely out of the question for the Gunners. Though he may have started out in this role, lack of pace is a serious concern. Players like Jefferson Montero and the aforementioned Murphy, among others, have previously torn Chambers to shreds on the flanks. Center back, however, is still an option for the player.

The 6'0" defender/midfielder played very well in central defense while on loan at Middlesbrough during the 2016/17 campaign. He also performed nicely in the position for the Gunners last season as well. And, of course, now defensive midfield could be an area that Chambers can play for Arsenal heading forward.

This versatility could be a significant advantage for Chambers. Being able to play multiple positions fairly well would be a beneficial asset to his parent club. Defensive/central midfield is, however, a packed place for Arsenal at the moment. The Gunners already have Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Mohamed Elneny fighting for time in the middle of the pitch. However, Arsenal brass could very well sell either Chambers and Elneny, as they are somewhat similar players.

Not only are the two players alike stylistically, but they also have similar wages and contract lengths as well. Chambers is, however, two years younger and, as stated before, is the more versatile player.

Arsenal could also choose to capitalize on selling the player with more value. Chambers would most likely garner a higher transfer fee than Elneny. Plus, it remains to be seen how much playing time Chambers will receive next season at either center back or defensive midfield. Nevertheless, these are good problems to have for the Gunners. The club will either add a versatile player to the squad that has a reasonable contract, or raise funds to buy a player in a different position. It appears to be a win-win situation for Arsenal.



http://worldsoccertalk.com/2019/03/08/calum-chambers-giving-arsenal-encouraging-options-future/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham scouting players in Europa League, optimism ahead of summer transfer window

Fulham were reportedly one of the clubs who had scouts at the Europa League match between Dinamo Zagreb and Benfica last night.

Although the match happened in Croatia, it's Portuguese newspaper Record who reports it, without explaining if there were any specific targets for the Cottagers.

The home side won the match 1-0 with a goal scored by Bruno Petkovic, and now have some advantage for the second leg of the round-of-16.

Fulham were linked to only one player from these clubs this year. It was in January, when it was claimed that they had made an offer for the Benfica right-back André Almeida.

Although Almeida is a frequent starter for the Eagles, he didn't make it to the squad this time. As the player didn't even travel to Zagreb, we presume Fulham knew about this.

Targeting players from either of the clubs shows there's some optimism at Fulham ahead of the summer window. Barring a miracle, they'll be a Championship club by then and players may not be too keen on swapping European football for England's second division.

Manchester United, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Wolverhampton, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan, Napoli, Inter Milan, Sampdoria, Sassuolo, Bordeaux, Lille and Slavia Prague have all sent scouts to this match as well.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-scouting-players-europa-league-optimism-ahead-summer-transfer-window/

[WhiteJC]

 
Claudio Ranieri: Roma appoint former Fulham, Chelsea and Leicester manager

Former Leicester and Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has been appointed Roma manager until the end of the season.

Ranieri, 67, was sacked by Fulham eight days ago after winning three of his 17 games in charge.

But the Roma fan - who managed the club between 2009 and 2011 - has been handed a quick return to management, replacing Eusebio di Francesco.

"I'm delighted to be coming back home," Ranieri said on Friday. "When Roma call you, it's impossible to say no."

Di Francesco was sacked on Wednesday after losing 4-3 on aggregate to Porto in the Champions League last 16.

Roma sporting director Monchi also left the club earlier on Friday.

Ranieri took over at Fulham last November after the sacking of Slavisa Jokanovic and beat Southampton 3-2 in his first game, but 11 defeats followed including an FA Cup third-round exit at home to League Two side Oldham.

He left the Cottagers after just 106 days with the club 19th in the Premier League, 10 points from safety with 10 games left.

Roma president Jim Pallotta said: "We are delighted to welcome Claudio Ranieri back to the club.

"We have one objective remaining this season and that is to finish in the highest possible league position and secure qualification for the Champions League."

Roma are three points behind fourth-placed Inter Milan, who occupy the last Champions League spot.

Ranieri famously led Leicester to the 2016 Premier League title despite starting the season as 5,000-1 outsiders.

His return to Roma will be his eighth spell as a manager in Serie A - and first since he was sacked by Inter Milan in 2012 - and his 19th managerial job in total.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47487811

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Match Preview: Three Keys To Victory For Fulham Against Leicester City
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This is our preview of the upcoming match for Fulham against Leicester City. During the show, co-host Max Cohen shared his three keys to a victory for Fulham. We also talked about the different match-ups between these two clubs.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/3/8/18256250/cottage-talk-match-preview-three-keys-to-victory-for-fulham-against-leicester-city

[WhiteJC]

 
Bournemouth Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's away fixture against AFC Bournemouth next month will go on sale from Wednesday 13th March.

The Whites have an allocation of 1,325 tickets for the fixture on Saturday 20th April (kick-off 3pm), and as such all seats will be sold via Loyalty Points criteria and, in the first instance, limited to one per person.

Season Ticket Holders and Members with 700 points or more will be able to purchase from 10am on Wednesday 13th March. All on sale dates will be staggered, culminating in - subject to availability - all remaining 18/19 Season Ticket Holders and Members having the opportunity to purchase from Friday 22nd March.

Fans are advised to check the full selling schedule as to when they are eligible to buy below:

On Sale Date	On Sale Group
10am, Wednesday 13th March	Season Ticket Holders & Members with 700+points (1 per person)
10am, Thursday 14th March	Season Ticket Holders & Members with 600+points (1 per person)
10am, Friday 15th March	Season Ticket Holders & Members with 500+points (1 per person)
10am, Monday 18th March	Season Ticket Holders & Members with 400+points (1 per person)
10am, Tuesday 19th March	Season Ticket Holders & Members with 300+points (1 per person)
10am, Wednesday 20th March	Season Ticket Holders & Members with 200+points (1 per person)
10am, Thursday 21st March	Season Ticket Holders & Members with 100+points (1 per person)
10am, Friday 22nd March	All Season Ticket Holders & Members (1 per person)
10am, Monday 25th March	All Season Ticket Holders & Members (2 per person)

Tickets are priced at £30 for adults and £17 for over 65s, under 17s and full-time students, with a number of restricted view and severely restricted view tickets also available at a reduced rate. Full information can be found on the AFC Bournemouth v Fulham FC Match Centre page.

Fans will be able to purchase tickets online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Owing to Watford's current participation in the Emirates FA Cup, should the Hornets progress to the semi-finals of the competition our game at Vicarage Road - currently scheduled for Saturday 6th April - is subject to change. Further information will be announced when it becomes available.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/march/08/bournemouth-away-tickets

[WhiteJC]

 
Tottenham will be disappointed that Scott Parker lured youth coach Matt Wells to Fulham



Fulham confirmed this week that former Tottenham Hotspur U-18s coach Matt Wells had joined the Whites as a first team coach.

Wells follows Scott Parker from north London to SW6, marking another Spurs youth manager being lured to Fulham, in a move that will disappoint Tottenham.

Parker joined Spurs as a coach in 2017, and enjoyed an impressive debut season managing the U-18s. A 9-0 smashing of Arsenal, a run to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup, and an unbeaten league run from November to March were particular highlights.

But the ex-Tottenham and Fulham midfielder jumped ship in July 2018, joining Fulham to work with Slavisa Jokanovic in the Premier League.

Wells was appointed U-18s manager as a result, and enjoyed even more success, guiding the side to a current position of second in the league, just a point behind Arsenal with a game in hand.

With the excellent successes of Tottenham's youth set-ups, it is undoubtedly frustrating to see their brightest academy managers being picked off by Fulham for two years running.

Nevertheless, the combination of Parker and Wells looks set to make a positive impact at Craven Cottage, with Parker already hailing his assistant's appointment as a "massive addition."



https://tbrfootball.com/tottenham-will-be-disappointed-that-scott-parker-lured-youth-coach-matt-wells-to-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Scott Parker discusses Ryan Sessegnon & why he hasn't hit the heights of last season

The 18-year-old scored 16 goals last season but only has two goals to his name in the Premier League

Ryan Sessegnon hasn't had the season everyone was expecting after he finished the last campaign as Championship player of the season at just 18-years-old.

He bagged 16 goals and set up Tom Cairney's winner in the play off final as Fulham were promoted to the Premier League, but since then he's scored just twice and now finds himself on his third manager of the season.

Slavisa Jokanovic gave him a chance at just 16 but he found himself out of the side under Claudio Ranieri, who opted for more experienced players all the while citing he wanted Sessegnon to get 'nastier'.

For one reason or another, Sessegnon hasn't taken the Premier League by storm as many were expecting just yet, but under new boss Scott Parker, a man who was Fulham captain when Sessegnon was drafted into the first team, he now has a manager ready to believe in him once more.

Parker said: "I don't think that was the case [players around him not playing as much] it was Ryan being a young boy playing in the Championship just going into the toughest and hardest league in the world.

"I don't put it down to anything in particular, like the team wasn't playing around him, these things happen - they happen to the 28-year-olds, who somebody has paid £100m for, they're going to happen to the eighteen-year-olds.

"It's a different challenge for him, it's been a little bit up and down, anyone would expect the same, that's what happens - you have blips.

"It's how quickly you come out of them, or how you get out of it, is what's key to that. You do see signs now evidently from Sunday, you see it in training, that he's just coming out the other side of this, and I'm hoping now for the remaining part of the season we'll see the Ryan Sessegnon we all know.

"He's an unbelievable talent.

"I was a player here when he was a sixteen year old boy, and he was training with us, and obviously helped him along the way. I've spent a lot of time with him, he is quiet but he knows what he wants and knows what he needs to do.

"It's a lonely place at times when you're not playing well, the pressure is on, the comments on social media - it can be all a bit drowning at times. When you're 26/27, you've got mechanisms to understand what you need to do to get you through it.

"When you're 18 your eyes are wide open, you're learning and hopefully I can be there for him and to explain to him the situations and what he needs to do and guide him.

"I think it's dramatic for anyone, our conversation earlier with social media - it can have a real negative effect.

"The ten amazing comments you read and the one bad one, it's the one bad one that keeps you up at night. I don't care who you are, it's human nature and that's the way it is.

"We're all human, and you read the good ones that make you high and you get to the one bad one and that's the one that plays on your mind.

"That's what can really affect you, and maybe that's been the case. I'm sure it has - not maybe but definitely.

"We're in an industry where we're always under the spotlight, people are always judging us, whether you're a player, a coach or manager - you're not doing this right, that right, over the course of time you get a thicker skin, you say I'm not going to do this or read that, and when you're 18 you maybe don't have those mechanisms.

"Hopefully we can help him."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/scott-parker-discusses-ryan-sessegnon-15939464

[WhiteJC]

 
Scott Parker backs Jean-Michael Seri to show Fulham fans that he is a world-class player

The 27-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations after signing in the summer from Nice

Jean-Michael Seri has struggled at times to live up to his billing after arriving at Fulham in the summer - but Scott Parker believes they have a world class footballer in the Ivorian.

The 27-year-old has only scored once since signing, all the way back in August during a 4-2 win over Burnley and has gone on to polarise opinion between fans at Craven Cottage.

He didn't start the first game under Parker in the 2-1 loss to Chelsea last weekend having missed the previous two games as a result of injury, with Kevin McDonald keeping his spot in the side while Tom Cairney was moved into his more preferred position in the centre.

There have been times when Seri has struggled with the pace in the Premier League this season, with the midfielder having been caught in possession several times in midfield, although there have also been occasions when he's shown the quality that once saw him nearly sign for Barcelona and had him linked to Chelsea in the summer.

Parker has seen it first hand - firstly as Fulham's first team coach this season and now as his manager, and the caretaker boss believes he needs to manage Seri in order to get the best from him.

He said: "Mika is a fantastic football player, who has got undoubted quality, and is probably just coming from another country in France, where all of a sudden this is a fast league, he is adapting, its quicker, and at times he would probably admit himself, it has been a bit quick for him. And at times he has struggled.

"But at times he has been world class, and he has shown glimpses and performances back to back to show how good a players he is, and I have no doubt that Mika given the right time and the right surroundings is a top class player.

"He is a world class footballer, and we need to manage him carefully and get him to where, and I have seen it every day, I have seen it for the last six months. We need to work with him.

"He's working every day, like they all are. I am not just talking about Mika, I am talking about a whole bunch of lads. The boys who have been here for three years, this is new to them, this is new to Tom, new to Kev.

"These boys have not played in this division as well, and at times its been a real learning curve and an adjustment and I said last week, there is some quality in this squad for sure, and we just need to try to get the best out of them."

McDonald, Cairney, Calum Chambers, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Seri are all vying for spots in Parker's midfield, with McDonald the latest to stake his claim for a regular first team spot once more.

Those players will give Parker a dilemma in his starting XI for the trip to Leicester City - but it's a nice problem for the manager to have.

He added: "It's not a headache, it's a nice problem to have. Obviously we will make the decisions and pick the side and everyone will support that, and we will see from there. Obviously there are decisions to be made. But whoever I feel is the best player for the day will obviously play."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/scott-parker-backs-jean-michael-15938606