Friends of Fulham

 
Hughes puts faith in Targett

Southampton manager Mark Hughes plans to replace the suspended Ryan Bertrand with Matt Targett at Fulham, and has backed the young left-back to excel against the side he helped reach the Premier League last season.

Targett was on loan at Craven Cottage for the second half of the 2017/18 campaign, helping Fulham to an incredible 23-match unbeaten run that propelled them into the play-offs, before playing a key role as they side saw off Derby and then Aston Villa to return to the top-flight.

    we're very fortunate we've got matt. he'll equip himself very, very well.
    mark hughes
    southampton manager

He will be back in west London on Saturday, but this time on the opposition side, with Bertrand's one-game ban, which has come about by virtue of him collecting five yellow cards, opening the door for the 23-year-old.

"We're fortunate we've got somebody of the quality of Matty Targett to come in, so it's an obvious choice and it's one that I'll make, as long as he comes through training," said Hughes, as 17th-placed Saints prepare to face the division's bottom-ranked side.

"We're very fortunate that we've got Matt. He knows the level and has played at this level many, many times.

"He'll come in and he'll equip himself very, very well. He's going up against a team that he knows and a place where he's played many times, so he'll have a good feeling going into the game.

"I just sense Matt, along with everybody else, is really looking forward to the game."



https://southamptonfc.com/news/2018-11-23/mark-hughes-pre-fulham-southampton-premier-league-1819

 
Fulham fans can look to Parma's survival miracle for proof of Claudio Ranieri's restorative powers

The Serie A club were in dire straights when Craven Cottage's appointed hero arrived, but finished in mid-table

Before Leicester, there was Parma. For Claudio Ranieri, nothing will ever rival winning the Premier League in 2016, but it's the new Fulham manager's "other miracle", achieved nine years earlier, that has more relevance to his job now.

In February 2007, Parma were second from bottom of Serie A with just 15 points from 22 games. When Stefano Pioli was sacked after a 3-0 defeat to Roma, Ranieri – who had not managed in Italy for a decade and not at all since being sacked by Valencia nearly two years previously – was not at the top of president Tomasso Ghirardi's list for a replacement.

But it was in a state of mild desperation that Ghirardi called Ranieri (from an airport car park, according to Gabrielle Marcotti's book on Ranieri 'Hail Claudio!'), and his Hail Mary pass was thrown. "It was a bit of a shock for everybody, because he'd been out for a long time," Vince Grella, Parma captain that season, tells The Independent.

Just like now, Ranieri didn't need to work. But having been out of the game for so long, the fire in his belly was such that he signed his contract with the salary section blank. And at an early press conference, that fire appeared in the form of some uncharacteristic bombast.

"I told the president and I will be telling the players, we are either going to stay up or we will die trying," he said. "If we go down, there will be no survivors and nobody will be wounded. We will all be dead." He later apologised for the violent imagery, but it was perhaps an indication of his motivation after two years away.

Ranieri found a big squad with talent, but one that was unable to get results or keep things tight at the back, which sounds familiar. "I've seen Parma a few times recently," said Ranieri at the time. "They play well, but I want them to be less beautiful and more practical."

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/11/22/17/claudio-ranieri.jpg?w660)
Ranieri arrived with Parma struggling near the foot of Serie A (Getty)

It's worth noting he said something similar about Fulham last week: "I was here for the first match of the season – Fulham played so well, but lost 2-0. I hope we can play well, but if we play well and lose, it's a big problem. I hope we play badly and win."

As Grella recalls, that's how things turned out. "The team was playing reasonably well [under Pioli], but just not getting the results. When Ranieri got his claws in – I reckon it was about a month – he got us just that little bit more organised, and installed in the players that confidence to be able to win, particularly away from home."

The first few weeks were fairly grim. His first three games ended in defeat – two to Braga in the Uefa Cup, the other in the league - then came four straight draws, including a madcap 3-3 against Udinese and a 2-2 with Reggina.

In both of those games the point was secured with late Giuseppe Rossi penalties and the young striker, who joined on loan from Manchester United in January, was one of the key factors in their survival. Rossi scored nine times and only two – in a 4-1 beating of Messina – were not key to Parma winning points.

By that stage Parma were flying, winning seven of their last 11 games and eventually finishing 12th. "We were battering teams," says Grella, who is now an agent for Base Soccer. "I mean really battering them. If we'd played like that from the start, we would have been in Europe, 100%. Everyone was disappointed we didn't hit those performances earlier."

With survival comfortably achieved, Ranieri was favourite to take the Manchester City job, recently vacated by Stuart Pearce. Instead, the call from Juventus came, but it is worth briefly considering this sliding doors moment: if he'd gone to City, maybe his path would never have taken him to Leicester, and who knows what would have been different.

The question Fulham fans might be asking is: what did Ranieri change at Parma? There was a tactical tweak, Rossi's arrival allowing them to play 4-4-2 rather than 4-3-3, but Grella doesn't think it was the system switch that was key. "It's his man management skills," he says. "It's the way he gets messages across, the way he creates relationships with players. He doesn't get too close to the players, but just close enough to know he's on your side."

All of which will be key at Craven Cottage. He probably finds himself in a slightly better position now than with Parma, because it's earlier in the season but also because he has a better collection of players to work with. "When I arrived in Parma, all my friends said I was mad, they told me, 'It's not possible to save this team,'" he said last week. And Fulham? "Everybody said 'Good choice. Fantastic club. Historical club. You can do it.'"

One of Slavisa Jokanovic's problems was that he probably had too many new players to work with and didn't have time to figure out the best combination, but Ranieri is an old hand at this sort of thing. "I am Tinkerman, but I have to tinker clever," he said.

Painting a picture of Ranieri from the outside is a tricky business: listening to him speak in public and listening to those who have worked with him will give you two very different impressions. In front of the media, he's the slightly eccentric, avuncular figure who promised to buy his Leicester players a pizza and chased them around the training pitch with a bell.

But behind the scenes, things are a little different. "He can be a p**** when he has to be, don't worry about that," says Grella. "I've seen him do it with some pretty big players. He's not really bothered about who the player is, it's just about the message. If he needs to rip a big player, he'll rip a big player. He can be very, very strong."

With his new team bottom of the Premier League, he'll need to be. But Fulham fans can at least take comfort in the knowledge their new manager has been here before.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-claudio-ranieri-premier-league-survival-parma-serie-a-vince-grella-video-a8647386.html

 
Southampton boss Mark Hughes stays calm amidst the 'noise'

MARK Hughes is determined to shut out the 'noise' as he prepares to return to Fulham for the biggest game of Saints' season.

Lose and Saints will drop into the bottom three, level on points with a Fulham side that is bottom of the table after seven successive defeats.

But Hughes is shrugging off speculation that he will be sacked if Saints are beaten at Craven Cottage.

"There will always be speculation and I call it 'noise'," he said. "Once a manager departs after a lot of noise that noise switches to someone else and all the negative stats come out.

"A little bit of the noise is around me at the moment which is the nature of the role that I have. It will go away with a few good results.

"It becomes a little bit predictable and you understand how it works.

"After 20 years doing this job, it's nothing I haven't seen and dealt with before. It's part of the job and doesn't faze me.

"We're calm, that's the key. That's helped by my demeanour. I don't feel the need to get panicked because I'm confident in the ability of the group and the club.

"We know what we need to do and we will work hard to make sure they happen.

"We don't feel here that we are a million miles away from what we need to do."

Hughes is determined to retain his level-headed approach as he prepares to return to Fulham for only the third time since resigning in 2011, having led them to eighth in the Premier League in his only season at Craven Cottage.

"You don't get too giddy when you are doing well, and you don't get too down when things aren't going your way," he continued.

"If you are calm and consistent in your messages then the team gets confidence and support from that. We give the players the knowledge they need going into the games.

"They will never say they are lacking in what they need to approach a game."

Hughes insists Saints' ongoing internal review, following the departures of Les Reed and Martin Hunter, has not been a distraction.

"We are talking all the time - I'm fully informed," he continued.

"I think the players just get on with it.

"The club is looking to strengthen the areas that it feels it needs to but it's not a case of ripping the template up because there is no need to do that.

"A lot of the things they do here are spot on in terms of getting what they need from all elements of the club.

"All we (the leadership) are trying to do is to make us better which is everybody's aim here.

"That encapsulates the entire club.

"There isn't a lot that we are doing wrong here but the club felt that we maybe needed to be a little bit more open about things to see if that would help us."

Saints' clash at Fulham is the first of five matches in 14 days, four of which are away from home.

"The games are coming thick and fast and I'm actually pleased about it," continued Hughes.

"With all the international breaks, the first part of the season is very fragmented and it's difficult to get that continuity and rhythm in your play.

"Some have dealt with it better than us.

"But from our point of view, we have had new players to integrate into the group which has been hampered by the international break.

"What we have got now, thankfully, is a clear run and an opportunity to have a body of work with the group with nobody being away for any length of time.

"That continuity for the next three to four months will be invaluable to us."



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/17243174.southampton-boss-mark-hughes-stays-calm-amidst-the-noise/?ref=rss

 
Paul Merson says Aleksandar Mitrovic is Fulham's Achilles heel, despite being their best player

Fulham have made an incredibly poor start to their Premier League campaign.

Paul Merson spoke exclusively to Sky Sports about Fulham's poor start to the season, and explained why he believes their best player - Aleksandar Mitrovic, is actually their Achilles heel.

The Cottagers have made an extremely concerning start to life in the Premier League, and they currently sit rock bottom of the table, having taken just five points from their opening 12 league outings.

Claudio Ranieri has now been tasked with the job of keeping Fulham safe, and that will be an incredibly tough task, considering how open and vulnerable they have looked this season.

Merson spoke exclusively to Sky Sports, and highlighted how Aleksandar Mitrovic has been Fulham's Achilles heel this season, despite the fact that he is their best player:

"I have said all along that their Achilles heel is Aleksandar Mitrovic. He is their best player, he has been great for them and scored goals, but because he has no pace, they can't play counter-attacking football. So they have to then play higher up the pitch and because they play so open, that is where they struggle."

Fulham face a crucial five game spell over the next three weeks or so, with three home matches coming against Southampton, Leicester City and West Ham United, as well as away trips to Chelsea and Manchester United.

If the Cottagers are to survive this season, they must surely be targeting at least seven points from those three home games, and the way things have been going recently, that will be far easier said than done.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/11/23/paul-merson-says-aleksandar-mitrovic-is-fulhams-achilles-heel-de/

 
Louis Saha on why players will want to sign for 'amazing Fulham' and Claudio Ranieri in January

The former striker spoke fondly of his former club and reckons Ranieri is the man to get them out of trouble

Louis Saha reckons players will want to sign for Fulham in January because his former club is 'amazing' and because of their new manager Claudio Ranieri.

The Italian replaced Slavisa Jokanovic as the club's manager after the Serbian lost seven games in a row, leaving the club bottom of the table with only one win to their name all season.

Ranieri has his first game in charge of the club on Saturday when fellow strugglers Southampton visit Craven Cottage in yet another crucial six pointer, but his influence over his new club is already being felt at Motspur Park.

He'll have to figure out a way to find a settled team, something his predecessor failed to do after the club's recruitment department signed 12 new players in the summer transfer window.

As yet, Ranieri and the recruitment team have no players in mind for the January window, with the manager wanting to see what he has at the club at present, but owner Shahid Khan has said he will back the club once more in January.

And former striker Saha reckons players will be attracted to west London in the winter because of Ranieri and the amazing club.

"It's difficult because maybe the manager in place [Jokanovic] wanted to have that opportunity to change things around," Saha said at a Football for Peace event.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article15454175.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-993867.jpg)
Louis Saha of Fulham (Image: Gary M. Prior/ALLSPORT)

"The transfer market is a difficult one in the summer. There is a lot of competition around so the manager had his ways and maybe it didn't start the way he wanted but it happens.

"But I think Ranieri will attract a lot of players easily because the football club is amazing. I can't wish them more than to [stay up]."

"It is a club that has a lot of history for me. I feel really honoured to be part of that history. I see a great manager, who has done really well for Leicester and other clubs, want to get them out of that situation.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article15440343.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1062361570.jpg)
(Image: BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

"The Premier League is very tough so whatever decision the chairman has to do we have to do it well and maybe sharp.

"Sometimes against the philosophy or the moral because someone brought you up and have done tremendously well. But the league is so tough and you have to make some really difficult decisions."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/louis-saha-players-want-sign-15454138

 
Fulham vs Southampton preview: Claudio Ranieri takes charge

(https://e0.365dm.com/18/11/768x432/skysports-claudio-ranieri-football_4489959.jpg?20181116142552)
Claudio Ranieri will be in charge for the first time this weekend

Claudio Ranieri has called on Fulham to "clean everything and restart" as he faces Southampton in his first match in charge on Saturday.

Ranieri has been appointed to replace Slavisa Jokanovic and try to turn things around after a six-match losing streak.

Ranieri won the title in his last spell in the Premier League with Leicester, but his primary aim now is to shore up Fulham's defence, which has conceded 31 goals this season.

"Forget the past. Today I said this, restart every time, we can win, lose, clean and restart tomorrow. I show them some videos from the previous game and I said what is right and what is wrong," he said.

"This week, I work hard and they (the players) follow me very well, but it's not possible in very few days to arrange everything. I hope to maintain the clean sheet and then if we can score, it's much better."

Southampton have only made a marginally better start to the season than Fulham.

They are three points above their weekend opponents and manager Mark Hughes is reportedly under pressure.

"There will always be speculation, I call it noise," he said. "At the moment the noise is around me, it's the nature of the role... the only way it goes away is by getting positive results and positive performances."

Team news

Kevin McDonald and Andre Anguissa are unavailable for Fulham.

However, left-back Joe Bryan could return after seven weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Southampton will assess Danny Ings' fitness, but Hughes said on Thursday that the striker is a big doubt.

Ings limped off the pitch with a suspected hamstring problem during Southampton's 1-1 league draw with Watford earlier this month and trained separately during the international break.

Southampton are without the suspended Ryan Betrand so Matt Targett is likely to start. Mohamed Elyounoussi (hamstring) and Mario Lemina (thigh) should be available.

Opta stats

    Fulham have lost just one of their last 14 home league games against Southampton (W7 D6), though it was in their last such meeting in February 2014 (0-3).
    In all competitions, Southampton are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Fulham (W3 D3), winning the last three without conceding.
    Southampton won their last away Premier League game in London vs Crystal Palace - they've not won consecutive league games in the capital since 2014-15 (vs Crystal Palace and QPR).
    Fulham have lost their last six Premier League games - they've not lost seven league games in a row since a run of 11 between December 1961 and February 1962.
    No side has failed to score in more Premier League games than Southampton this season (6), though Fulham are the only side yet to keep a clean sheet in the competition so far.
    Fulham have conceded 31 goals in their 12 Premier League games so far - only in the 1925-26 second tier campaign have they conceded more at this stage of a league season (34).

Merson's prediction

I can't do Fulham they are all over the place. Fulham have to win this game. To be fair to them, I always felt sorry for Slavisa Jokanovic as I have always said that, if a team comes out of the Championship who should not really, they should be given the whole season. They got you into the dreamland and you do not become a bad manager, you just come up against better teams week in, week out.

The problem I have with this game is, let's be honest, Fulham have to win this game, so nothing really changes for me as they are going to play open and defensively, they are just not good enough.

I have said all along that their Achilles heel is Aleksandar Mitrovic. He is their best player, he has been great for them and scored goals, but because he has no pace, they can't play counter-attacking football. So they have to then play higher up the pitch and because they play so open, that is where they struggle.

So this is a hard game for new manager Claudio Ranieri to come into because they have to win it...

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (17/2 with Sky Bet)



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-soton/preview/390881

 
on the brink Mark Hughes could be sacked if Southampton lose to Fulham – here's how his other managerial reigns ended

Southampton have struggled under Hughes this season, winning just one league game

Mark Hughes could be sacked if Southampton lose to Fulham on Saturday.

The Saints have not won in almost three months and are only out of the Premier League's relegation zone on goal difference.

Hughes signed a three-year deal in May having secured Southampton's top-flight status last season.

And Saturday's trip to relegation rivals Fulham is crucial with the Saints facing Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City next month.

But the Daily Mail reports Hughes could be out of a job before those tough fixtures if his side lose at Craven Cottage this weekend.

Here, talkSPORT.com takes a look at how the Welshman's other managerial reigns ended.

Wales
Final game: Wales 2-3 Poland
Date: 13 October 2004

Hughes agreed to join Blackburn in September 2004 but would stay on for Wales' important World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland.

His players failed to give him a winning send-off as Poland came from a goal down to leave Wales' World Cup hopes all but over.

They managed just two points from their four qualifying games under Hughes. The defeat also marked a 10th successive competitive game without a win.

Blackburn
Final game: Birmingham 4-1 Blackburn
Date: May 11, 2008

Hughes led Blackburn to a respectable seventh-placed finish in the 2007/08 season. But in what would turn out to be his final game before joining Manchester City, Rovers were thrashed by already-relegated Birmingham.

Morten Gamst Pedersen cancelled out David Murphy's opener to bring Blackburn level before Cameron Jerome's brace and a Fabrice Muamba header made the result safe.

Manchester City
Final game:  Manchester City 4-3 Sunderland
Date: December 19, 2009

National newspapers were reporting that Hughes would be axed regardless of the Sunderland result. Roque Santa Cruz's 69th-minute winner saw City edge past 10-man Sunderland. But with the club 11 points behind league leaders Chelsea, the Etihad hierarchy relieved Hughes of his duties.

Billionaire Sheikh Mansour bought City in September 2008 and gave Hughes close to £200 million to spend on players, which included, at the time, a record-breaking British transfer fee of £32.4 million for Robinho.

Fulham
Final game: Fulham 2-2 Arsenal
Date: May 22, 2011

In his only season in charge, Hughes guided Fulham to a top-ten finish.

And they would have ended the season on a high if it wasn't for Theo Walcott's 90th-minute equaliser.

Hughes, who had been linked with the Aston Villa vacancy, resigned less than a month later. He revealed he left Fulham because "my ambition for where I wanted to take the club was not matched."

That comment did not go down well with Fulham owner Mohamed Fayed, who hit back, calling Hughes a "strange man" and a "flop".

Queens Park Rangers
Final game: QPR 1-3 Southampton
Date: November  17, 2012

After successfully keeping QPR up the season before, Hughes was given huge funds to spend on players for the 2012/13 season. Julio Cesar, Jose Bosingwa and Esteban Granero were some of the high-profile signings.

A heavy home defeat to newly-promoted Southampton extended QPR's winless start to the season to 12 games, which included eight defeats. As a result, Hughes' 10-month reign came to an end.

Hughes' successor, Harry Redknapp, could not stop a sinking ship as QPR were relegated at the end of the campaign.

Stoke
Final game: Coventry 2-1 Stoke
Date: January 6, 2018

Hughes achieved three successive ninth-placed finishes with Stoke during his five-and-a-half year spell.

But he was sacked just hours after Stoke's humiliating FA Cup exit to League Two Coventry. Five defeats from seven league games also contributed to his exit with the Potters just two points above the relegation zone.

Stoke would then suffer Premier League relegation with a game to spare.



https://talksport.com/football/449750/mark-hughes-sacked-southampton-fulham-reign/

 
Crystal Palace and Fulham tracking same forward, Ranieri also remains interested in Watford man

According to a claim in the Italian media, Crystal Palace and Fulham are showing an interest in Bologna forward Mattia Destro ahead of the next transfer window.

With both Crystal Palace and Fulham in a relegation fight the two Premier League clubs could look to bring in reinforcements in January and it seems the Italian forward is an option.

TMW report Destro could leave Bologna in the January window after failing to meet the Serie A club's expectations.

The 27 year old has struggled for goals since joining the Italian club and there have been recent reports they could look to replace him with Southampton forward Manolo Gabbiadini.

It's claimed Crystal Palace were the first of the London clubs to track Destro but in the past few hours Fulham have also started to be linked with the player.

According to TMW, Fulham are still tracking Watford forward Stefano Okaka as Claudio Ranieri looks to bolster his attacking options in the new year. The Watford player was recently linked with a move to Craven Cottage.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/crystal-palace-fulham-tracking-serie-forward-ranieri-also-remains-interested-watford-man/

 
Parker Promoted To Assist Ranieri In Preserving Fulham's Top-Flight Status


This Saturday, when Fulham welcome Southampton to Craven Cottage, for a Premier League fixture, we're hoping that there will be clear signs that the appointment of Claudio Ranieri will prove the impetus to turn around our dreadful run of recent form.

The 67-year-old Italian has been brought in to preserve our Premier League status and his first job will be to halt a run of form that has seen Fulham lose their last seven games, a run that has seen the side sink to the bottom of the Premier League.

As we await the fixture against Southampton, who are a lowly 17th in the table and who are managed by somebody who spent a spell as our manager, Mark Hughes, news has broken that Scott Parker has been promoted.

Parker, 38-years-of-age, moved across London, from Tottenham Hotspur, to join the Fulham coaching staff. Following Ranieri's appointment, the news source, Football London, are reporting that Parker has now been elevated to the position of assistant manager.

For Scott, it is a chance to bring to the Ranieri table the knowledge he has about the current squad and help Claudio to plot the way forward as survival, in the top-flight, becomes our main priority.

Hopefully Scott will be up for the challenge and we'd like to wish him well as Fulham Football Club, enters one of the most important phases in its history, after taking so long to climb out of the Championship and back into the Premier League, relegation would, in my opinion, be an absolute disaster for the club.



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/parker-promoted-to-assist-ranieri-in-preserving-fulhams-top-flight-status/

 
Programme Peek

In Saturday's official matchday programme, Shahid Khan exclusively explains his decision to replace Slaviša Jokanović with Claudio Ranieri.

"Upon determining that a change was in order, I judged potential candidates against a demanding list of standards with two key criteria considered as absolute - past success in the Premier League or top-flight football and being ready to go to work immediately," Mr Khan wrote.

"I conducted the appropriate due diligence as to potential successors, and among many highly qualified candidates - some of whom were interviewed, others not - there was one man who clearly had done his research on our squad, wanted the challenge and was ready to go the instant his name was called. That's Claudio Ranieri.


"He revealed to me during our interview that he had attended nearly every Fulham home match this season and viewed the others in some other fashion. There were other strong candidates under consideration, but none who understands the Premier League, our club, our players and even our supporters like Claudio."

To read the full interview with Mr Khan, pick up a programme on Saturday.


Other highlights from the publication include:

    Claudio Ranieri and Tom Cairney pen their respective Manager and Captain columns
    Denis Odoi takes stock of recent events
    Ryan Sessegnon takes our random question challenge
    Joe Bryan picks his personal playlist
    Fred Callaghan talks us through a Fulham-related photo of himself
    Micky Adams recalls his days at Fulham and Southampton
    We catch up with George Williams as he prepares to make his mark at Forest Green Rovers
    And Gordon Davies looks ahead to being inducted into the Forever Fulham club

Priced £3.50, the 100-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster where you can also purchase past editions. The Club will donate 50p per programme sold, matching donations made by ProgrammeMaster, totalling £1 donation to the Fulham Foundation at no extra cost to supporters.
For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Pocketmags from 9am on Saturday.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/november/23/programme-peek

Targett could easily have been on other side of relegation six-pointer

Targett helped Fulham get promoted last season, was a target in the summer and the Whites are reportedly eyeing a January swoop as well but Mark Hughes has confirmed he will start for Southampton in the crunch relegation clash this weekend.

Mark Hughes has confirmed that Matt Targett will replace the suspended Ryan Bertrand when his Southampton side travel to face Fulham for their relegation six-pointer tomorrow.

It will be a big afternoon for the Englishman; he was part of the Whites side who gained promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs last season.

He was also reportedly a £10m summer target for the Cottagers in a summer that saw them expensively overhaul their previously threadbare defence.

After that swoop was thwarted, there have also been reports this month that Fulham are ready to return with another bid to get Targett back to Craven Cottage in January.

So Targett could very easily have been on the other side of Saturday's crunch clash and Bertrand's ill-discipline has thrust him into a vital role in the match that could have a huge impact on Hughes' future.

During the international break, Southampton chose to stick while Fulham chose to twist by appointing Claudio Ranieri.

If the Whites use that new manager bounce to see off the Saints, perhaps that will be the final straw for Hughes' St Mary's reign; at the home at one of his former managerial posts.

Could the game also dictate where Targett wishes to spend his future?



https://tbrfootball.com/targett-could-easily-have-been-on-other-side-of-relegation-six-pointer/

 
Shahid Khan gives his reasoning on why he sacked Slavisa Jokanovic and hired Claudio Ranieri

The Fulham owner explained in his programme notes why he took the decision to change managers

Shahid Khan has explained his reasoning behind the sacking of Slavisa Jokanovic after the Liverpool game and the hiring of Claudio Ranieri.

The Fulham owner had previously used his programme notes to express his support for the former head coach, despite reports stating that he was to be sacked if he lost to Bournemouth and Huddersfield, with Khan stating those reports were false.

However, after the 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield, the club started to look and interview new candidates for the role, with Ranieri being the man they chose to go with after an impressive interview.

Jokanovic was then sacked at the start of the international break with the Italian being installed as the new manager immediately, with his first game coming against Southampton tomorrow.

And speaking ahead of that game, Khan has revealed the thinking behind his sacking of Jokanovic and why he chose to hire Ranieri as the club's next manager.

In his programme notes, Khan wrote: "Upon determining that a change was in order, I judged potential candidates against a demanding list of standards with two key criteria considered as absolute - past success in the Premier League or top-flight football and being ready to go to work immediately," Mr Khan wrote.

"I conducted the appropriate due diligence as to potential successors, and among many highly qualified candidates - some of whom were interviewed, others not - there was one man who clearly had done his research on our squad, wanted the challenge and was ready to go the instant his name was called. That's Claudio Ranieri.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article15355282.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Fulham-v-AFC-Bournemouth-Premier-League-Craven-Cottage.jpg)
(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)

He revealed to me during our interview that he had attended nearly every Fulham home match this season and viewed the others in some other fashion. There were other strong candidates under consideration, but none who understands the Premier League, our club, our players and even our supporters like Claudio."

Fans can read the entire programme notes from Mr Khan in the official matchday programme for the game with Southampton, available for £3.50, with £1 of each sale going towards the Fulham FC Foundation.

The game with Southampton marks the second annual Fulham FC Foundation matchday to raise funds for the foundation, with the Whites donning the FFC foundation's logo on their shirts for the match.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/shahid-khan-gives-reasoning-sacked-15455802

 
Football Business Awards

Fulham Football Club were successful in taking prizes at the Football Business Awards, which took place at City Central at the HAC, Moorgate, on Thursday 22nd November.

Overall success came in the Best Club & Supporters Group relationship, with the Club and the Fulham Supporters Trust (FST) delighted to receive first place in a category filled with strong nominations from all levels of the professional game.

On receiving the award, Fulham Football Club CEO Alistair Mackintosh said: "We are thrilled to receive this award, as it is a testament to our ongoing structured dialogue with the FST. Whilst we were nominated for three awards on the night, this is the one we really wanted to win."

Tom Greatrex, Chairman of FST, added: "We are pleased that the effort both the Trust and Club have put into our structured dialogue has been recognised by the judges. A good relationship helps clubs understand and better respond to supporter concerns. We will always be independent of the Club, and we won't always agree, but we commend the Club for their open, progressive approach to building a relationship we aim to develop further in the interests of all Fulham supporters."

Any supporter interested in finding out more about the FST and the structured dialogue in place with the Club can find further information at: http://fulhamsupporterstrust.com/au2/

The Club also received the Bronze Award for Best Fan Engagement by a Club, with Alistair Mackintosh receiving the award for Championship CEO of the Year for the 2017/18 season.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/november/23/football-business-awards

 
Report: Crystal Palace and Fulham interested in Mattia Destro

Bologna's Serie A striker Destro has been linked with three Premier League clubs, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Claudio Ranieri's Fulham

Newcastle United are not the only Premier League team in need of a centre-forward to save their skin. So it is little surprise to learn that Rafa Benitez faces competition in his pursuit of Bologna striker Mattia Destro.

According to Calciomercato, Newcastle are hoping to sign the 27-year-old Serie A striker in the January transfer window, having previously been linked with Destro back in the summer before Salomon Rondon arrived on loan from West Brom.

It is understood that the former Inter, Milan and Roma forward is available for around £9 million.

But, in claims provided by Tuttomercatoweb, Newcastle are not alone. Fellow Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace and Fulham are both understood to be targeting Destro as well, with Bologna ready to cash in.

Palace haven't scored a home goal from open play all season while Fulham have tallied just 11 times from 12 matches with a lack of genuine competition for Aleksandar Mitrovic in attack - so it is no surprise where Roy Hodgson and Claudio Ranieri want to strengthen.

Destro, however, has been far from prolific himself in 2018/19.

In truth, he has been a big disappointment for Bologna, failing to score in six Serie A appearances this season. Since joining from Roma in 2015, the former Italy international has only hit the net 26 times in 89 matches.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/11/23/do-crystal-palace-and-fulham-reportedly-join-benitez-in-targetin/

 
Fulham Supporters' Trust win at Football Business Awards

The Fulham Supporters' Trust were honoured to win an award at last night's Football Business Awards for the best relationship between a football club and a supporters group.

The Football Business Awards established this category, which was sponsored by national fans' group Supporters Direct, to recognise the importance of dialogue between clubs and their supporters. The Trust were proud to be nominated among such a strong field of entrants which included Cambridge United and Cambridge Fans United, Portsmouth and the Pompey Supporters' Trust, Rochdale and the Rochdale Supporters' Trust, West Bromwich Albion and the Proud Baggies and Southend United and the Shrimpers' Trust.

This award celebrated the strong working relationship that has developed between Fulham Football Club and the Fulham Supporters' Trust during four years of monthly meetings between the parties that culminated in the signing of English football's first memorandum of understanding between a club and their Trust last December.

Fulham Supporters' Trust chair, Tom Greatrex, said:

"We are pleased that the effort both the Trust and Club have put into our structured dialogue has been recognised by the judges. A good relationship helps clubs understand and better respond to supporter concerns. We will always be independent of the Club, and we won't always agree, but we commend the Club for their open, progressive approach to building a relationship we aim to develop further in the interests of all Fulham supporters."

Fulham chief executive officer, Alistair Mackintosh, added:

"We are thrilled to receive this award, as it is a testament to our ongoing structured dialogue with the FST. Whilst we were nominated for three awards on the night, this is the one we really wanted to win."



http://fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2018/11/23/fulham-supporters-trust-win-at-football-business-awards.html

 
Fulham and Tottenham emissaries to travel to Basque region, €50m Spain international on agenda

Having been at the club since 2002, Diego Llorente left Real Madrid in 2017 on a permanent transfer.

Having had loan spells with Rayo Vallecano and Malaga, the footballer cut ties with his youth club and signed a five year Real Sociedad contract.

He's only played two La Liga matches since August, an ankle injury keeping the 25 year old out of La Real's side.

Despite that, Luis Enrique called the player up for the latest international break and he played 90 minutes against Bosnia.

That was Llorente's second appearance for Spain, the first coming in 2016 under Vicente del Bosque... also in a friendly against Bosnia.

The 25 year old central defender is attracting interest from other clubs, and Mundo Deportivo Basque edition reports Tottenham and Fulham will send club emissaries to watch Real Sociedad's match against Celta Vigo on Monday.

Mundo state as fact that the two Premier League clubs are going watch the central defender specifically.

But Tottenham and Fulham aren't the first, with it being stated Liverpool and West Ham watched the player against Levante on November 9th.

No offer has been made, by anyone, and Mundo say La Real aren't worried because Llorente is protected by a €50m buyout clause, which they don't think will be triggered in January.

Real Madrid are increasingly good at getting all kinds of clauses in their player sales, and it's explained Los Blancos can buy the defender back for €25m.

Tottenham are clearly searching Europe for central defensive options, and Llorente is an interesting option, and it would be assumed they'd stand a better chance of a deal than Fulham.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-tottenham-emissaries-travel-basque-region-e50m-spain-international-agenda/

 
Dilly ding and dilly bleeding dong

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DOING THE KHAN CAN
Fulham FC's official match programme, according to Fulham FC's official website, really is the "essential matchday accessory". If that suggests it's going after Tin's market share, then the price of £3.50 indicates it's aimed at an altogether different demographic, and that its contents are supposed to be more wholesome. If you forked out for the most recent issue, you may have been heartened to read Shahid Khan's contribution to it. The club's chief suit used his column to pooh-pooh media reports that he would sack manager Slavisa Jokanovic in the event of Fulham losing to Bournemouth and Huddersfield. When Fulham lost to Bournemouth, Huddersfield and Liverpool, Khan sacked Jokanovic. That led at least one addled Tin-quaffer to slur that Khan's articles are worth exactly the same as The Fiver's.

"As I reflect upon my comments of four weeks ago, I don't regret a word I said," Khan has ventured anew. "My belief in Slav and our ability to restart our campaign was staunch. Reports of Slav's future being in peril, at the time, were truly baseless." So staunch was Khan's faith in his manager that it had crumbled to nothing within two matches. "I was troubled, subsequently, by our poor response and performances in the matches that followed. It became evident to me after our defeat at Huddersfield Town that patience and confidence were no longer a remedy to correct our course."

And so, on Saturday, Claudio Ranieri returns to a Premier League dugout with a mission to save Fulham from relegation and keep media outlets afloat with still vital quotes about tinkering and pizzas and dilly ding and dilly bleeding dong. And if Ranieri gets off to a victorious start, then his Southampton counterpart, Ailsa from Home and Away, may find that his backside becomes the target of a very large boot. Hughes, mind you, is taking an almost Khan-esque approach to such reports. "There will always be speculation and I call it noise," parped the Welshman, adding that he almost expected attention to turn to him after Jokanovic's dismissal. "Once a manager departs after a lot of noise, that noise switches to someone else and all the negative stats come out," drawled the manager who has won three of 20 Premier League matches in charge of Southampton, whom he hopes do not become the fourth Premier League club to sack him and the third since he voluntarily departed as Fulham manager in 2011 because he fancied he could hack it higher up.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I spoke of facts and I heard people saying I was looking for excuses. There were players who weren't here for reasons you know [knack]. I'm not going to mention those reasons again. I'm not going to give content that will enable people to say I'm looking for excuses. So I'm going to stop stating facts ... I take responsibility. It's my fault. No problem" – Thierry Henry's adjustment to life as a manager continues apace at Monaco.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/nov/23/dilly-ding-and-dilly-bleeding-dong

 
Why Fulham were unable to sign Matt Targett in the summer after impressive loan spell

The Southampton man returns to Craven Cottage for the first time when the two sides meet on Saturday

Matt Targett will return to Craven Cottage on Saturday as Fulham take on Southampton in the Premier League, but it could've been different had a summer move gone through.

The 23-year-old was signed on loan by the Cottagers in January last season and enjoyed a very successful spell at Craven Cottage, playing 21 games under Slavisa Jokanovic, losing just twice.

He helped the side gain promotion at Wembley in the Championship play-off final, beating Aston Villa 1-0 but returned to Southampton at the end of his loan spell.

The summer saw Targett head away with the Saints in pre-season, while Fulham worked to try and make his loan permanent throughout the course of the summer transfer window, but it's a move that never came to fruition.

Fulham made an early move for the left back at the start of the transfer window, but saw that rejected by Southampton who were holding out for more money.

They went back for Targett the day before Deadline Day with a huge £15million bid, but this was rejected by Southampton once more who wanted £20million to part with their left back.

It was at this stage that Fulham decided to press ahead with a deal for Joe Bryan, who was nearing a move to Aston Villa having completed his medical there, with a move for the Bristol City man being completed on Deadline Day.

(https://i2-prod.getwestlondon.co.uk/incoming/article15454883.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-962739766.jpg)
(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images))

However, Southampton then came back to Fulham on Deadline Day saying that a £15million bid would now be accepted for Targett but the Cottagers would not do business having been presented with no reasonable negotiations on a move for him during their pursuit, while Bryan's move was also close to completion.

Targett now looks set to start for Southampton at Craven Cottage on Saturday despite only playing four games all season, with two of those coming in the Carabao Cup, but a suspension to Ryan Bertrand forcing Mark Hughes' hand.

"We're fortunate that we have someone of the quality of Matt [Targett] to come in," said Hughes.

"It's an obvious choice and one that I'll make as long as he comes through training unscathed.

"We're lucky to have Matt. He knows the level, he's played many times in the Premier League and he'll acquit himself very well I'm sure.

"He's coming up against a team that he knows and he'll have a good feeling going into the game. I sense Matt - along with everyone else - is really looking forward to the occasion."

Targett is sure to get a warm reception from the Craven Cottage faithful for his role in getting the side promoted to the Premier League, although his return will take a backseat to Claudio Ranieri's first game in charge of Fulham.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-were-unable-sign-matt-15454635

 
How Ranieri can engineer the great Fulham revival

Based on the thought-process behind Shahid Khan's appointment of Claudio Ranieri to replace Slaviša Jokanović, the Italian has had ample time to dream up solutions to Fulham's myriad problems in the Premier League.

In his programme notes for Ranieri's first match in charge against Southampton, Khan writes: "I conducted the appropriate due diligence as to potential successors, and among many highly qualified candidates – some of whom were interviewed, others not – there was one man who clearly had done his research on our squad, wanted the challenge and was ready to go the instant his name was called. That's Claudio Ranieri.

"He revealed to me during our interview that he had attended nearly every Fulham home match this season and viewed the others in some other fashion. There were other strong candidates under consideration, but none who understands the Premier League, our club, our players and even our supporters like Claudio."

Now, Ranieri may have been slightly economical with the truth – after all, we all lie a tiny bit in job applications – but he does seem the honest type plus Craven Cottage is a lovely place to watch football on a Saturday afternoon, so it has to be taken at face value.

If that is the case Ranieri will be fully aware he inherits a team whose confidence has been slowly eroded after a string of poor results and whose strengths at the start of the season, as they arrived in the division under a degree of hype, soon became their weakness.

Fulham were, just like Wolves and different to Cardiff City of the promoted teams, seen as Premier League-ready; full of technically-sound individuals with a significant investment made in the some to add an extra layer of quality to their squad.

Except after the initial buzz of watching a neat and tidy side pass the ball comfortably and claim the odd positive result at home to Burnley and Watford and away to Brighton, it soon became crystal clear they, to simplify their predicament, cannot defend and possess one of the league's weakest attacking units.

You can compensate for one if you are strong in the other department but being able to get the ball down and play can't mask either deficiency, which means Ranieri has to initially focus on one and, given his heritage, that should be the defence.

The Cottagers have conceded an alarming 31 goals in 12 games, six more than the next two worst teams Cardiff and Burnley, if they maintain that ratio they'll finish the season having shipped 98 – that's only two less than the league record of 100 by Swindon Town in the 1993/94 campaign, although that was over 42, not 38 matches.

The flow of goals simply has to stop, however, Ranieri may be able to revolutionise their attack. Fulham only rank third worst for shots conceded with 16.3 – Burnley well out in front on 21.1 – while they've let in nearly six more than their expected goals conceded of 25.23.

That means one of two things, or probably both, that the opposition are receiving a worrying amount of high-quality chances and that Ranieri has a goalkeeper issue.

Jokanović clearly thought this as he worked his way through three No 1s this season: his first-choice last season Marcus Bettinelli (seven starts), Fabri (two) and the current incumbent, Sergio Rico (three). Presumably, Ranieri will have a preference already, if not he needs to find one quickly.

Limiting the number of quality chances they're allowing the opposition is also of paramount importance and clearly, a change in approach is required as the sheer volume of shots they've allowed in their own 18-yard box is worrying.

Ranieri isn't big on pressing but then neither was Jokanović as Fulham rank 19th for possession won in the attacking third and 15th in the midfield area plus only six teams make fewer tackles than them (15.4). Those numbers simply have to increase as it's clear it's just too easy to play through them.

As per Understat.com, Fulham have allowed 114 passes to be played within 20 yards of their goal, that may be three less than Cardiff and Burnley, but when fellow strugglers Huddersfield have permitted just 57, it shows the level of pressure being placed on their defence and goal.

That 23 of their 31 goals conceded – 75 per cent – have been from open play only reinforces this.

Ranieri has tenacity in attack with Aleksandar Mitrović, energy and physicality through the centre of midfield with Jean-Michaël Seri, Tom Cairney and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. The requisite pressure on the ball is achievable with the right mindset.

(https://images2.footballwhispers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/23172837/Render-final-1098.png)

The sheer volume of goals they've conceded has almost masked their deficiencies in the final third: 15th for shots on target (3.75), 13th for big chances created (1.25) while only three teams have a worse xG than their 11.68.

Granted, they haven't been as bad in attack but if you're going to leave yourself so exposed defensively, you have to at least double your efforts going forward and in only two games have they bettered the opposition's xG – Burnley and Watford at home – and just five times did they breach the 1.00 mark.

Ranieri knows he will inherit a group of players exceptionally comfortable on the ball, Fulham rank seventh for accurate passes (389.58), seventh for touches (675.25), eighth for average possession (50.8 per cent) and seventh for pass completion (80.7 per cent), but that isn't translating into consistent shooting opportunities.

And although Ranieri's somewhat throwback direct, 4-4-2 style may not seem an obvious fit for this group of players it could be precisely what they need to inject some purpose into their attacking play.

Will Tinkerman habits die hard?
Ranieri has André Schürrle to perhaps adopt the Riyad Mahrez role, but maybe Ryan Sessegnon could be moved into midfield to balance out the team and also help his defensive integration into the top-flight.

There is also the role of Mitrović, unquestionably Fulham's best striker and his five goals in 12 games is a solid return in such a sub-standard attacking side but Ranieri's methods could get even more out of the Serbian.

Mitrović is an excellent player in the air, yet Fulham rank just 19th for total crosses (14.16) and accurate crosses (3.25) per game. Ranieri's quicker, more intensive offensive methods, bringing more width into their play could increase these numbers, theoretically providing the 24-year-old with more aerial opportunities to score.

But Mitrović also needs support and of the regular starters, only Schürrle is averaging more than 2.0 shots per game. That impressive midfield unit has to provide more of a goal threat, beyond long-range shooting.

In raw numbers, Mitrović (43) and Schürrle (37) have accounted for 55 per cent of all their attempts. The next two after that duo are Sessegnon and Luciano Vietto on just 11 each.

Life is hard in the Premier League but Seri was averaging 1.2 shots per 90 last season for Nice, in England it's been just 0.5, while Cairney was at 1.7 in the Championship but is 0.6 this term. Fulham's attacking threat is not only meek, it's predictable.

They've also scored just once from a set-piece situation this season – Mitrović in the 4-2 win over Burnley in August – and, as is becoming increasingly apparent, corners and free-kicks represent under-valued opportunities to find the target. Just ask England manager Gareth Southgate or Eddie Howe at Bournemouth.

For a struggling team like Fulham, it would be remiss for them not to work on honing that craft although, that said, in the season Leicester won the Premier League, set-pieces accounted for just 11 of the Foxes' 68 goals (16 per cent) so maybe don't expect a marked improvement.

Ranieri has plenty of work to do but Fulham are only three points from safety and with plenty of quality in their squad in a Premier League where at least seven teams can be considered justifiably bad. Having watched so much football already this season, the Italian will know this more than most.



https://www.footballwhispers.com/blog/ranieri-fulham-fulham?utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=news-now

 
Fulham v Southampton: Whites duo out, Saints striker a doubt

New Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri has two injury doubts ahead of his first game in charge at home to fellow Premier League strugglers Southampton.

Kevin McDonald (hamstring) remains sidelined with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa also ruled out by Ranieri with an unspecified issue, although Joe Bryan should be fit enough to return to the squad following his own hamstring problem.

Fulham have lost their last six league games and have yet to name the same defensive line in consecutive matches this season, with Ranieri set to shuffle his pack in search of a winning formula.

Provisional squad: Bettinelli, Rico, Fabri, Fosu-Mensah, Christie, Odoi, Chambers, Mawson, Ream, Le Marchand, Bryan, Ayite, R Sessegnon, Seri, Johansen, De La Torre, Kebano, S Sessegnon, Schurrle, Vietto, Mitrovic, Fonte, Kamara.

Southampton are without the suspended Ryan Bertrand for their visit to Craven Cottage.

The England left-back serves a one-match ban for collecting five bookings and will be replaced by Matt Targett, who helped Fulham into the top flight while on loan at Craven Cottage last season.

Danny Ings is a major doubt after picking up a knock in the home draw with Watford before the international break, but Moi Elyounoussi (hamstring) and Mario Lemina (thigh) should be available.

Provisional squad: McCarthy, Gunn, Forster, Soares, Stephens, Yoshida, Vestergaard, Hoedt, Bednarek, Targett, Hojbjerg, Davis, Romeu, Lemina, Ward-Prowse, Armstrong, Elyounoussi, Redmond, Gallagher, Long, Gabbiadini, Austin, Ings.



http://londonfootballnews.co.uk/fulham/fulham-v-southampton-whites-duo-out-saints-striker-a-doubt/

 
PREVIEW: Fulham vs Southampton – 24/11/2018

Fulham vs Southampton

Date: 24/11/2018

K/O: 15:00

Venue: Craven Cottage

Referee: Michael Oliver

The Cottagers play host to Southampton this weekend in a game which depending on the result, could really invigorate either side's season.

With a combined 13 points between the two teams, Saturday's match is going to be a battle of the bottom feeders. Fulham have only managed to score two goals in their last four appearances in the Premier League, and these came in a 4-2 defeat to Cardiff over a month ago. On the flip side, Southampton's goal scoring record is nothing to marvel at, scoring two goals in their previous five Premier League appearances.

Mark Hughes will feel hard done by after the Saints last appearance in the Premier League, coming out with only one point against Watford, after conceding a horrendous deflected goal with ten minutes of play remaining. Southampton's fans frustration were personified by Charlie Austin in the post-match interview as many will feel a poor refereeing decision cost the side an extra two points.

Depending on other results, a win for the Saints on Saturday could lift them to 14th place, which looks far better from a fan's perspective than one place above the relegation zone.

As for Fulham, they are a side who have underperformed to an extreme extent. Spending upwards of 100m in the transfer window in an attempt to strengthen their squad and sitting bottom with five points do not correlate. If there was a game that Fulham can grasp with both hands, it's this one. With Southampton struggling to score it is an opportunity that should not be missed. A win for the Cottagers could lift them out of the relegation zone, but they would need to win by at least a three-goal margin to jump above Saturday's visitors.

Charlie Austin's rant after the incorrectly ruled out goal against Watford was probably the most exciting thing about their encounter last time out and the international break could have served the Saints either way. Frustrations could have been quickly turned in to a performance as it provides immediate motivation to succeed, and emotions may have settled. On the contrary, emotions may have been channelled into some serious training and only increased the desire to remain in the Premier League.

With the departure of Les Reed still fresh in the Southampton dressing room, there is still a huge opportunity for Mark Hughes to win the fans respect and trust back. While it may only be Fulham, who are bottom, three points can ensure a tremendous amount of confidence; especially into a side who have been struggling such as Southampton.

With the captain Ryan Bertrand banned, Matt Targett will get an opportunity to showcase his talents. With a third of Southampton's assists this season, he may provide a slightly different attacking dynamic to this Saints side. Yoshida may also get a start over Stephens. Danny Ings picked up an injury in the previous game, however, he may still start ahead of Charlie Austin. Gabbiadini will surely be included from the off as he managed to score their first goal from open play in six games in their encounter with Watford.


PREVIEW: Fulham vs Southampton – 24/11/2018
By Niall HenryFeaturedFulhamGW13 PreviewPreviewSouthampton | 23 November, 2018

Fulham vs Southampton

Date: 24/11/2018

K/O: 15:00

Venue: Craven Cottage

Referee: Michael Oliver

The Cottagers play host to Southampton this weekend in a game which depending on the result, could really invigorate either side's season.
Embed from Getty Images

With a combined 13 points between the two teams, Saturday's match is going to be a battle of the bottom feeders. Fulham have only managed to score two goals in their last four appearances in the Premier League, and these came in a 4-2 defeat to Cardiff over a month ago. On the flip side, Southampton's goal scoring record is nothing to marvel at, scoring two goals in their previous five Premier League appearances.

Mark Hughes will feel hard done by after the Saints last appearance in the Premier League, coming out with only one point against Watford, after conceding a horrendous deflected goal with ten minutes of play remaining. Southampton's fans frustration were personified by Charlie Austin in the post-match interview as many will feel a poor refereeing decision cost the side an extra two points.

Depending on other results, a win for the Saints on Saturday could lift them to 14th place, which looks far better from a fan's perspective than one place above the relegation zone.
Embed from Getty Images

As for Fulham, they are a side who have underperformed to an extreme extent. Spending upwards of 100m in the transfer window in an attempt to strengthen their squad and sitting bottom with five points do not correlate. If there was a game that Fulham can grasp with both hands, it's this one. With Southampton struggling to score it is an opportunity that should not be missed. A win for the Cottagers could lift them out of the relegation zone, but they would need to win by at least a three-goal margin to jump above Saturday's visitors.

Charlie Austin's rant after the incorrectly ruled out goal against Watford was probably the most exciting thing about their encounter last time out and the international break could have served the Saints either way. Frustrations could have been quickly turned in to a performance as it provides immediate motivation to succeed, and emotions may have settled. On the contrary, emotions may have been channelled into some serious training and only increased the desire to remain in the Premier League.



With the departure of Les Reed still fresh in the Southampton dressing room, there is still a huge opportunity for Mark Hughes to win the fans respect and trust back. While it may only be Fulham, who are bottom, three points can ensure a tremendous amount of confidence; especially into a side who have been struggling such as Southampton.

With the captain Ryan Bertrand banned, Matt Targett will get an opportunity to showcase his talents. With a third of Southampton's assists this season, he may provide a slightly different attacking dynamic to this Saints side. Yoshida may also get a start over Stephens. Danny Ings picked up an injury in the previous game, however, he may still start ahead of Charlie Austin. Gabbiadini will surely be included from the off as he managed to score their first goal from open play in six games in their encounter with Watford.
Embed from Getty Images

Claudio Ranieri will attempt to better Fulham's fortunes on his return to management in the Premier League. His first home game, hosting Southampton, is a perfect opportunity to win the love and respect of the fans instantly. When Ranieri was appointed at Leicester City, it was in an attempt to keep their status in the Premier League, and what happened the following season will never be forgotten. It would be incredibly optimistic to assume he will do the same for Fulham; however, everyone can dream. Winning four and drawing four of his first nine games in charge of Leicester puts him in good stead for rescuing Fulham's dismal start to this season's Premier League campaign.

It's difficult to pinpoint why Fulham are not living up to their potential, with players like Andre Schurrle and Aleksander Mitrovic in the side, who have both previously played huge parts for their respective international sides. With no significant injuries Ranieri will have the pick of the bunch to try and put one over on the Saints this Saturday; however, Bryan and McDonald are doubtful but may still feature in this weekends fixture.

Starting Predicted XI's

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Rico; Christie, Odoi, Mawson, Le Marchand; Anguissa, Chambers; Schurrle, Cairney, Sessegnon; Mitrovic.

Southampton (4-2-3-1): McCarthy; Cedric, Yoshida, Hoedt, Targett; Hojbjerg, Lemina; Gabbiadini, Armstrong, Redmond; Ings.

Score Prediction: Fulham 2 Southampton 3

With both teams eager for three points it could be an incredibly closely fought game with plenty of intent to attack, but with Southampton beginning to score again and confidence coming back into the side I believe that they will scrape the three points from Fulham this weekend.



https://90maat.com/2018/11/23/preview-southampton-vs-fulham-24-11-2018/

 
After 2011 snub, Fulham will relish the opportunity to heap pressure on Mark Hughes

When Southampton travel to Craven Cottage for a relegation six-pointer on Saturday, the reunion between Mark Hughes and Fulham will take centre stage.

Fulham will relish the opportunity to heap pressure on the struggling Saints manager, a figure who is widely despised at the club.

The Welshman spent an eventful season in SW6 in 2010/11, where he oversaw a top-half finish but shocked the Fulham faithful when he acrimoniously resigned in June 2011.

According to comments reported by the Telegraph at the time, Hughes said Fulham lacked ambition and he was eager to manage at a club with greater aspirations.

Hughes' conduct after leaving the club infuriated Fulham fans, and a great deal of animosity exists between the supporters and the former Whites boss.

While at Queens Park Rangers and later Stoke City, Fulham fans have delighted in Hughes' failures, and Saturday would be the perfect time to put the Southampton manager under serious pressure.

The Saints are without a win in eight league matches and are only outside of the drop zone on goal difference; a Fulham victory on the weekend might very well spell the last match of Hughes' time at St. Mary's.

With Fulham needing the three points perhaps more than anyone else in the division, it would be sweet revenge if Claudio Ranieri's first match in charge led to Mark Hughes' Southampton sacking.



https://tbrfootball.com/after-2011-snub-fulham-will-relish-the-opportunity-to-heap-pressure-on-mark-hughes/

 
Claudio Ranieri: can the Tinkerman tinker once more?

"My team is like an orchestra. To play the symphony correctly I need some of the boom boom boom, but I also need some tweet and sometimes the tweet and boom go well together. Sometimes all you can hear is the boom, sometimes only the tweet. That is not good music."

Claudio Ranieri was the orchestrator of Leicester's classical music in the 2015/16 season. The affable Italian waved his conductor's baton on the touchline of the King Power Stadium like a scholar; etching the Foxes' name into the footballing history books in possibly one of the most extraordinary feats in all of sports. 21 months after being unceremoniously relieved of his duties at Leicester, the veteran gaffer is back in the Premier League; bestowed the task of reviving downtrodden Fulham – who haven't won a league game since August in their 4-2 win over Burnley. Can Ranieri lift the Cottagers well clear of the relegation zone? Or are we all looking upon his appointment with rose-tinted, Ranieri-esque spectacles?

One key area that Ranieri undoubtedly brings to the Fulham dressing room is boosting the team morale and charisma of outstanding players that have looked lacklustre in recent games. With Slaviša Jokanović at the helm, it looked evident through mundane performances after their 3-0 loss to Everton, from the likes of André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Jean Michaël Seri, that the Serbian had lost the confidence of his new-look Fulham side due to an attractive brand of football that struggled to adapt to the top-flight.

Their flaky defensive tactics did not help Jokanović's cause as he leaves the Whites having conceded a total of 31 goals – the highest of any side by a considerable amount. Ranieri's magnetic personality is the obvious choice to rejuvenate a subdued Fulham side, a man whose encouragement and tactics made Marc Albrighton look like Pavel Nedvěd for a season and a man who created a defensive partnership consisting of Wes Morgan and Robert Huth that was one of the most formidable in the league. Claudio could be the shot of adrenaline in Fulham's arm that allows the high-standard of names at Craven Cottage to play at their full potential.

"I'm unsure [if Ranieri can keep Fulham up this season]. We're more than capable as a manager and squad, it's down to the players buying into a new philosophy. We can compete in this league but lack the mentality we showed last season. Honestly, I'm just unsure. Ask me in three months!" – Christian Paul, Fulham fan

Tactically, Ranieri has become synonymous with either a 4-4-2 formation that was slightly staggered in attack – the set up that won Leicester the title – or a 4-2-3-1 layout which he has utilised at other clubs; the former of which could completely change the proficiency of this season's Fulham side. Jokanović, whilst prone to editing his preferred formation in times of desperation, favoured a 4-2-3-1 set up – that could morph into a 4-3-3 with the wingers advancing – with Aleksandar Mitrović as a sole striker.

Mitrović has proven himself as a prolific striking option in the top flights of English football who thrives with balls into the box or balls to his feet as a strong target man, something that seemingly hasn't been utilised this season. On the expectation that Ranieri would implement a 4-4-2 formation, Mitrović would be accompanied by Luciano Vietto in his natural forward position which would allow for interplay between the two strikers and an ever more counter-attacking threat with Vietto staggered ahead of Mitrović in a similar way to how Vardy was partnered with Okazaki under Ranieri at Leicester. Vietto playing more centrally also allows for formidable wingers such as Ryan Sessegnon and André Schürrle to play more prominent attacking roles in an attempt to feed the strikers, as well using their quality to score the goals too.

Away from the attack, the ever-present Tom Cairney and the imposing name of Seri are more than apt to occupy the centre of the pitch and will be expected to work a lot harder than previous performances have shown. This is especially the case for Seri as if Ranieri is to refine Fulham's defence, the Ivorian will need to press a lot harder and cut oppositional passing lanes to not leave Denis Odoi and his defensive partner (most likely Alfie Mawson) isolated as they have been for numerous goals that Fulham have conceded this season. Apart from Cyrus Christie and Odoi who have seemed to put in a shift as apart of the Cottagers' back-four, Claudio will be expected to browse the market to tighten the nuts and bolts of his defence and bulk up Fulham's defensive repertoire of players.

Whilst Claudio Ranieri has been known to work miracles in the Premier League, steering the damaged ship of Fulham is still a demanding task for a manager that is entering his 33rd year of management. For an orchestra to make profound and spectacular music, all areas of the ensemble have to be working tirelessly from the intricate violins in attack to the intimidating and booming percussion instruments in defence.

Fulham's orchestra may be tumultuous at this point in the season, but Claudio Ranieri is now the man wielding the baton and safety is his number one concern.



https://90maat.com/2018/11/23/claudio-ranieri-can-the-tinkerman-tinker-once-more/

 
Fulham v Southampton: Match Preview

Southampton return to Premier League action on Saturday as they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Both sides went into the recent international break just three points apart and the pair will be respectively targeting this is as a must-win game.

Once more, Saints didn't have too many of the first-team squad away on international duty, so that has allowed for manager Mark Hughes to really work with a core group of players for the two weeks.

Fulham, however, have recently changed their manager, appointing former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri following the sacking of Slavisa Jokanovic last week.

It's expected that the West London club will have a new manager bounce, but it's imperative that Saints come through this game with a much-needed victory.

Prior to the break, Saints drew 1-1 with Watford following some controversial refereeing decisions. As for Fulham, they were beaten 2-0 at Anfield against Liverpool.

Forward Manolo Gabbiadini was particularly impressive and scored his first goal of the season against Watford. The Italian will be keen to continue performing when the Saints travel to Fulham.

In terms of team news, Saints have worries over the fitness of Mario Lemina and Mohamed Elyounoussi, but the pair are expected to be available for this crunch match.

Also, Ryan Bertrand is suspended for this one, meaning that Matt Targett is set to come into the side.

Shane Long has been ruled out with an ankle injury, while fellow striker Danny Ings is a major doubt after coming off in the draw against Watford.

Southampton manager Hughes has spoken prior to the trip to Fulham and has the confidence that left-back Matt Targett has the quality to come in and make a difference this weekend. As quoted by the clubs' official website, the Saints boss said:

    He'll come in and he'll equip himself very, very well. He's going up against a team that he knows and a place where he's played many times, so he'll have a good feeling going into the game.

    I just sense Matt, along with everybody else, is really looking forward to the game.

With both sides really needing the three points, I anticipate that this will be an open game, although the two teams will also be wary of not wanting to lose this game and lose ground on the teams around them in the table.

My prediction is that Southampton will narrowly come out on top with a 2-1 win.



https://readsouthampton.com/2018/11/23/fulham-v-southampton-match-preview/

Fulham Players on International Duty: November 2018
What have the players done over the past two weeks?

(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yXfT1NSPSjG6gYbbCVGQWG8lqfs=/0x0:4647x3350/920x613/filters:focal(1953x1304:2695x2046)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62388189/1062833388.jpg.0.jpg)
Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

I'm sure that everyone involved at Fulham Football Club deserve an International Break. The senior team looks broken and a change in management had to be made. Whether Claudio Ranieri is the savior to keep Fulham in the Premier League is another story entirely. For now, the players went on to their respective national teams and took some respite away from the turmoil around them. Let's take a look at how each of them did this month.

Senior Teams

G Marcus Bettinelli (England/0 caps)

D Cyrus Christie (Ireland/23 caps, 2 goals)

M André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon/15 caps, 2 goals)

M Floyd Ayité (Togo/40 caps, 11 goals)

M Ibrahima Cissé (Guinea/2 caps, 1 goal)

M Luca de la Torre (United States/1 cap)

M Jean Michaël Seri (Ivory Coast/22 caps, 2 goals)

M Stefan Johansen (Norway/46 caps, 5 goals)

F Aleksandar Mitrović (Serbia/46 caps, 23 goals)

Once again, Marcus Bettinelli gets called up for England, and once again, he sat on the bench with no appearance in sight. He had a chance to be counted upon in their friendly against the United States, but Alex McCarthy, the number one for Fulham's next opposition in Southampton, went on and got his first International appearance instead. Jack Butland was also called up from Championship club Stoke City, so who knows if Bettinelli will ever get his chance if he keeps not being considered Fulham's first choice once Ranieri gets more acclimated with the club.

Speaking of the United States, Luca De La Torre returned to the senior national team for the first time since June, but was not able to increase his international record beyond his one cap. Meanwhile, Jean Michael Seri's Ivory Coast went head-to-head with Ibrahima Cisse's Guinea with only the former not only playing but also scoring in that contest. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for Ivory Coast to claim all three points in a tie results in a 1-1 draw. Fortunately, both countries are in good position to move onto the African Cup of Nations Tournament this summer. Meanwhile, Floyd Ayite was also a part of a Togo squad that suffered a 4-1 defeat to Algeria in which Riyad Mahrez scored two goals. Next March's meeting with Benin could determine if Togo qualifies. Lastly, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was a part of Cameroon's 2-0 defeat to Morrocco, and as long as they defeat Comoros, they should advance. Anguissa did not play in the International Friendly against Brazil and it is believed to have picked up an injury that might cost him selection for Saturday's fixture.

Back in Europe, Cyrus Christie took part in both of Ireland's fixtures that did not see a single goal scored. One of those draws saw them get relegated to League C and see Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane leave their posts as manager and assistant, respectively. Stefan Johansen continued to captain Norway and was able to guide them towards promotion to League B; winning their group after a victory to Cyprus and a draw with Slovenia. Finally, Mitro got back to being on fire by scoring twice in his two games with Serbia. His country went on to secure a 2-1 win over Montenegro followed by a 4-1 win over Lithuania to secure promotion to League B next season. Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney were not a part of Scotland, but they'll be happy to know that their national team also got promoted to League B.

Youth Teams

F Ryan Sessegnon (England Under-21s/7 caps)

D Steven Sessegnon (England Under-19s/5 caps, 2 goals)

G Luca Ashby-Hammond (England Under-18s/6 caps)

D Cody Drameh (England Under-18s/0 caps)

M Fabio Carvalho (England Under-17s/7 caps)

M Harvey Elliott (England Under-17s/5 caps, 1 goal)

D Connor McAvoy (Scotland Under-17s/4 caps)

At youth level, the Sessegnon brothers continued to build on their reputations with England. Ryan added two substitute appearances in both of England's wins while Steven went on to score twice in England's three fixtures at Under-19 level. Luca Ashby-Hammond did get sent off in England's first Under-18 fixture this month, but was able to return to the lineup in the remaining two games to help guide his country to victory in their four-team Under-18 tournament in Spain. Fulham's latest sensation Cody Drameh was also called up for the Under-18s but did not play in any of England's three fixtures. At Under-17 level, both Fabio Caralho and Harvey Elliott featured heavily in England's three fixtures with the former being captain on two occasions and the latter scoring in their 3-1 win to Ireland. Lastly, Connor McAvoy helped Scotland secure qualification to next Summer's Under-17 European Championship with his couple of appearances.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/11/23/18108984/fulham-players-on-international-duty-november-2018

 
Claudio Ranieri won't be afraid to flip tables at Fulham despite Mr Nice Guy persona

The manager has revealed he's done it in the past at Chelsea which left him covered in vitamins

Claudio Ranieri may come across as Mr Nice Guy in front of the press - but that won't stop him flipping tables in the dressing room if he has to.

The Italian manager is preparing for his first game in charge of Fulham when Southampton visit on Saturday and is hoping to stop the rot that has seen the side slump to the bottom of the Premier League on the end of seven defeats in a row in all competitions with just one win to their name in the league.

After being appointed last week, Ranieri has spent the last week and a bit getting to know his new players, instilling a confidence that he feels has been lacking so far this season.

However, he isn't afraid to go the other way and show some tough love, something he did at Chelsea when he flipped a table in the dressing room, spilling vitamins and drinks over him in the process.

Ranieri doubts it's something his new Fulham players will see for the time being, though, and has asked the fans at craven Cottage to help him give the players some confidence because they are 'anxious and nervous' at the moment.

He said: "Don't look at me here, with the smiling. In the dressing room, I am different. It depends what happens. Sometimes I could take this table and flip it in the air.

"Yes, [I did it] at Chelsea. All the vitamins. *Boom! Boom! Boom!*

"Can I remember? No, no, no. Sometimes I enjoy, sometimes I am very strong.

"My players know me. My players know me very well. Have I been tough with them? No. With these players, no. Not yet. Not yet. At this moment, I must give confidence.

"At this moment, when I say our fans must help us, it is because our players need confidence. They need to feel good feelings with the fans because, maybe, they are a little anxious, nervous. That is normal.

"Before coming, I watched matches and said, for me, this is a good team. They lack some energy, something that I can give to them. I hope at the end, I can give a good solution to them."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/claudio-ranieri-wont-afraid-flip-15454338

 
Fulham v Southampton
SAT 24 Nov 2018   Premier League
Venue: Craven Cottage


TEAM NEWS

New Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri says Joe Bryan is available after overcoming a hamstring injury, though the left-back may struggle to play 90 minutes.

Midfielders Kevin McDonald and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa remain sidelined by injuries.

Southampton striker Danny Ings is doubtful because of a muscle problem.

Saints are hopeful Mohamed Elyounoussi and Mario Lemina will overcome minor injuries, but left-back Ryan Bertrand is suspended.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

@alistairmann01: This weekend one of the game's managerial characters makes his first appearance in the Premier League since February 2017 - "dilly ding, dilly dong" - and, for the record, you can get odds of 5,000-1 on Claudio Ranieri guiding Fulham to the title!

More realistically, the Cottagers are odds-on to be relegated and it will be games like this which determine their fate. Will the 'new manager effect' materialise against another side struggling for form?

Like Fulham, Southampton have won only once this campaign; their three extra draws separate the two teams.

As snow hits the UK this week, it's a sobering thought that you needed sunblock the last time either of these teams earned a league victory!

VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri: "Today I said this: restart every time. We can win, lose and restart tomorrow. Forget the past.

"I showed to them some videos from the previous game and I said what is right and what is wrong.

"One thing is to watch, but after we have been on the pitch to repeat the movement and slowly, slowly they get better.

"It's not possible for everything we do on the pitch to repeat, there will be some mistakes and I hope [after] these mistakes there isn't a goal."

Southampton manager Mark Hughes on Charlie Austin's comments after the last game: "It's important sometimes that people looking from the outside understand when things go against you and decisions have affected you, like they did against Watford.

"It's right and proper that people see how we feel close to an event that's concerning everybody.

"Charlie was just saying what he felt from the heart and what he felt as a part of a group of lads that had done their best to try and get maximum points.

"That was where the frustration for him and for us lay, so his reaction didn't surprise me."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Claudio Ranieri is a bit of a feel-good appointment for the fans, and I am expecting him to have an instant impact at Craven Cottage after replacing Slavisa Jokanovic.

Prediction: 2-1

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Southampton are unbeaten in their past six league and cup games against Fulham, winning the last three encounters without conceding.
    Fulham have only lost one of their last 14 home league fixtures against Saints, though that came in the most recent top-flight clash on 1 February 2014.

Fulham

    Only two sides have ever accrued fewer points than Fulham's five from their opening 12 Premier League games: Everton (1994-95) and QPR (2012-13) both had four points at this stage.
    The Cottagers could lose seven successive league matches for the first time since an 11-game losing streak between December 1961 and February 1962.
    Fulham are one of just two teams yet to keep a clean sheet in English league football this season, along with League Two Macclesfield.
    They have gone 16 top-flight matches without a clean sheet and have conceded at least twice in 14 of those fixtures.
    Fulham's next win will be their 300th in the top flight.
    Claudio Ranieri's first league games in charge of Chelsea and Leicester both featured six goals; the former drew 3-3 with Manchester United in 2000 while the latter beat Sunderland 4-2 in 2015.
    Twelve of Aleksandar Mitrovic's 14 shots on target in the Premier League this season came in Fulham's first six games, with just two in the subsequent six matches.

Southampton

    Saints are winless in their last eight league games, losing four of those matches.
    Mark Hughes has won three of his 20 league games in charge of Southampton (D7, L10).
    Saints have only managed 47 goals in their past 56 league matches.
    They have won just one of their last 10 league games versus newly-promoted sides (D6, L3), with that solitary victory coming against Middlesbrough in May 2017.
    Danny Ings has been directly involved in 63% of his team's eight Premier League goals this season - scoring four and assisting one. It's the highest percentage of any player this season.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46244414

 
Southampton manager admits he left Fulham too soon

MARK Hughes revealed he should have stayed at Fulham longer than he did.

Saints' boss took charge of Fulham in July, 2010 but resigned at the end of his first season at Craven Cottage.

In his spell there, he took them to eighth in the Premier League, but felt the club wouldn't match his ambition in the transfer window.

Hughes explained: "I have good memories of my time at Fulham.

"It was just circumstances at the time and it was well documented that the ownership were looking to sell and it was quite an old group that I had.

"I knew there were key elements of the team that needed to be replaced and maybe that was misinterpreted in the signs that I was getting.

"I interpreted that it was better for me to leave and to leave the club in a good position in my view and see where the rest of my career would go.

"I probably got it wrong as I asked for a player to be bought and they were a little bit slow in deciding whether or not they were going to do it.

"I interpreted that in the wrong way and below and behold two weeks later they spent £10m on a player.

"And I thought, 'hmm, maybe I should have hung around there a bit longer'."

Despite leaving the club after a year, Hughes still holds Fulham in high regard.

He added: "It's a good club and I have a lot of time for the people there."



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/17244508.southampton-manager-admits-he-left-fulham-too-soon/?ref=rss

Three Players to Watch: Matchday 13 vs. Southampton
Can our new manager deliver the goods in his first game in charge?

So after getting accustomed to the fact that Claudio Ranieri is the new manager, Fulham will get back to it for a home fixture against Southampton. Simply put, this will be the first of many six-pointers the rest of the season the rest of this Premier League season. That's what happens when you are sitting 20th in the table, have lost to Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City, and have been among the worst defenses in the first 12 games in Premier League history. Simply put, this football club has to regroup and develop a consistent system that works for every player involved at the club.

Whether Ranieri can develop that system and get results will be determined later on, but for now, Fulham will have to worry about their opposition first. While the Saints might have only scored a joint-second worst eight times this season, their expected goals tally of 15.74 is good enough for 12th in the league. If anything, their defense that has conceded 21 goals, 20.29 expected goals and 112 opposition passes within 20 yards from goal are among the five worst in the league. So a mediocre attach and an even worse defense has resulted in Mark Hughes' side with just eight points in the table.

Did I forget to mention the injury list that looks to be mounting for the Saints? Ryan Bertrand seems to be out while Danny Ings, Mario Lemina, Shane Long and Mohamed Elyanousi look doubtful. Essentially, those are five starting players, including their leading goal scorer out for tomorrow's contest.

On Fulham's end, Kevin McDonald, Joe Bryan and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa look to be out as well. We're at a place where the grind of the Premier League is starting to take its toll, but it's fair game for both teams. So there are no excuses for both sides to not be ready to play. It will be interesting to see what starting XI Ranieri will come up with, though I will say that having Calum Chambers as a holding midfielder was good for Fulham against a surging Liverpool. To have a temporary midfield with him, Tom Cairney and Jean Michael Seri would be good to see but it will be critical to have the latter two succeed in the system Ranieri chooses. Either way, there will be plenty of anticipation at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

On that note, among those healthy from Southampton, just which three players should Fulham watch out the most?

Cedric Soares

At right back, Soares has been a dependable defense-first player throughout his time at Southampton. He has never scored for the Saints, but he has been solid in the tackle and it has been the bread-and-butter that's lead to his 33 Portugal caps. Along with that, Soares was a member of Portugal's 2018 World Cup squad and 2016 European Championship team. Before his exploits in England, he racked up 84 appearances with Sporting Lisbon. Soares was a part of his boyhood club since he was eight years old and stuck around until 2015, where he claimed a Portuguese Cup back in his final season with the club.

Pierre-Emile Højberg

Next up is an up-and-coming central midfielder in Højberg. Last season was the most league minutes he ever played in league play with 1,671 minutes and his 797 minutes already are well on pace to surpassing that total. And with two goals, Højberg is on pace for having his best offensive season of his career as well. It has just this season where he has started to become a regular for Denmark's National Team, where he already has 22 caps and will be seeing his country play in League A in the 2020-21 Nations League. It would be nice to see Højberg improve his game even further for him to be well respected throughout the Premier League, but at 23 years old, and already with 181 club appearances with Southampton and in the Bundesliga, he'll have plenty of time to be able to make that happen.

Nathan Redmond
All data from whoscored.com

Lastly, we take a look at one of the most unfortunate attacking players in the Premier League. It wasn't that long ago when Nathan Redmond was considered one of the up-and-coming English attacking players like Ryan Sessegnon. But like Andros Townsend, Redmond's shooting has been very subpar and his finishing fell along with it. He's still a great dribbler and he will get his chances to deliver a killer pass. But until then, Redmond has to improve dramatically from his abysmal 1.61 shots per contest and 15.8% shot-on-target ratio. Otherwise, aging attackers like Charlie Austin and Shane Long will have to get the job done if Southampton will be able to get out of their scoring slump on Saturday.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/11/23/18108536/three-players-to-watch-matchday-13-vs-southampton

 
Premier League strugglers Fulham ready to make fresh bid for Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata in January

    The Cottagers had a £9million bid for the defender rejected in August
    Boyata is in the final year of his contract and could leave for free next summer
    Claudio Ranieri replacing Slavisa Jokanovic as Fulham boss last week

Fulham are preparing a new push to sign defender Dedryck Boyata from Celtic in January.

The Belgian international is in the final year of his Parkhead contract and could leave for free next summer.

Currently bottom of the English Premier League, the Cottagers had a £9million bid for Boyata rejected in August.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2018/11/24/00/6575098-0-image-m-99_1543018060756.jpg)
Fulham had a £9million bid for defender Dedryck Boyata rejected by Celtic in August

Sportsmail understands, however, that the London club remain interested in signing the 27-year-old for a lower fee in the next transfer window despite Claudio Ranieri replacing Slavisa Jokanovic as boss last week.

Unhappy with Celtic's refusal to sell him last summer, Boyata refused to travel to Greece for a Champions League qualifier in August but has been an impressive performer on his return to the Parkhead first team.

Speaking at Celtic's AGM this week, manager Brendan Rodgers admitted that the player is likely to leave Glasgow in search of a bumper deal elsewhere.

'He's at the stage where he will assess everything and he is probably going to sign the biggest deal of his life over the next couple of months,' said the Northern Irishman.

It could mean the break-up of Celtic's current stability at the back, as Leicester City have an option in January to recall loan defender Filip Benkovic, who has formed an impressive partnership with Boyata.

Flop defender Marvin Compper also looks set to leave the club. Signed on a free transfer last January, Compper told media in his native Germany this week: 'Unfortunately, I do not play much of a role with our manager and that's why I want to take a look around during the winter break.

'Whether it will be in the Bundesliga, I do not know. I'm pretty open.

'Although I will be 34 in the summer, I still have a lot in the tank.

'Unfortunately, I can not show it at Celtic.

'Right now, it's about looking to where I can continue my career. In any case, I can still play for two more years.'

Wary of being left short at the back as they pursue an eighth straight title, the champions are expected to revive their interest in Scott McKenna after Aberdeen declined to sell the Scotland international in the last window.

Rodgers is also in the market for a striker and right-back, but is unlikely to follow up scouting reports on Swansea City's full back Connor Roberts.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6423437/Fulham-ready-make-fresh-bid-Celtic-defender-Dedryck-Boyata-January.html

How Ominous is Fulham's defense?

So we all know why Fulham are struggling and why Slavisa Jokanovic got the sack this past week. You can play all the pretty football all you want, but if the defense ends up being as horrendous as what we have witnessed over the past 12 Premier League fixtures, you're not going to win that many of them, if any. With 31 goals conceded, Fulham are certainly reaching historic heights of bad defending. But what if I were to tell you that their horror is not that dissimilar from teams of the English top flight's past. Since the Premier League has been separate from the rest of the English Football League and became a 20-team league, seven other clubs have either surpassed or were within three goals of conceding the same among of goals as our Craven Cottage brethren. Let's take a look at each one of them, if there was anybody salvageable from their back line, and what happened to them after their calamitous start to their respective campaigns.

2000/01 Derby County (28 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Mart Poom (GK), Darryl Powell, Horacio Carbonari, Chris Riggott, Danny Higginbotham, Taribo West, Bjorn Otto Bragstad

There was a time where Derby County were a consistent Premier League team. However, they were coming off of a 16th place finish in 1999/2000 and were hoping to do much better next season. Giving up 28 goals is not a way to accomplish that. During that stretch, Derby did not have a single clean sheet until their November 6th clash against West Ham but not before sitting at the bottom of the table without a single win.

Danny Higginbotham arrived from Manchester United. along with Nigerian Taribo West while on loan from AC Milan, over the summer to fix the defense, but that wasn't happening at all. Luckily, the Rams only gave up 31 from their remaining 26 games and finished 17th. However, manager Jim Smith would only be able to keep his until October of 2001, in which Derby suffered relegation the following season. They haven't been Premier League regulars since.

With regards to who survived footballing hell, Mart Poom had solid outings with Sunderland in the early 2000s while also becoming a fixture at Arsenal and other English clubs the rest of his professional career while being Estonia's most capped goalkeeper. Chris Riggott was only 20 years old that season and went on to be capped nine times at Under-21 level for England. He tried to improve his career by moving to Middlesbrough in 2003, but never improved his reputation as an up-and-coming center back. Higginbotham would garner over 450 club appearances, but not without being a journeyman for clubs such as Southampton, Stoke City and Sunderland. Mr. West, unfortunately, never lived up to the hype from his exploits at National Team level (42 caps and a 1996 Olympic gold medal) and was heavily criticized for his lack of fitness and a possible falsehood about his actual age throughout his career. Lastly, Darryl Powell, Horacio Carbonari and Bjorn Otto Bjargstad didn't seem to do anything substantial after this season. So there were a few young pieces that went on to have solid, but not memorable careers.

1997/98 Sheffield Wednesday (29 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Kevin Pressman (GK), Peter Atherton, Jon Newsome, Des Walker, Ian Nolan, Dejan Stefanovic, Andy Hinchcliffe, Earl Barrett

Next up is a Sheffield Wednesday side that also were used to playing Premier League competition, but just didn't have their defense sorted out for some reason. Paulo Di Canio was just making a name for himself in England at Hillsbrough, but this was without David Pleat being on the hot seat before finally getting the sack on November 3rd. Before that, Wednesday had two wins, one clean sheet, a 7-2 defeat to Blackburn, a 5-2 defeat to Derby County and a 6-1 defeat to Manchester United to put the cherry on top of Pleat's tenure.

Two more managers arrived before the club finished the season marginally improving and finishing 16th. They would give up 38 goals, but it is kind of amazing to think that Crystal Palace and another club on this list would go on to concede more than Wednesday's 67 by season's end.

Within their backline, Kevin Pressman was a club legend that would go on to play 478 times for the club and was at the prime age of 30 at the time. Des Walker, at 32, definitely wasn't at his prime after being a mainstay at Nottingham Forest during most of the 1980s and in the early 1990s. Peter Atherton had a solid 578 appearances at club level, but was 28 and went on to Bradford City and Halifax Town before calling it a career a decade later. Jon Newsome was a Norwich City legend during his two seasons at Carrow Road before joining Wednesday, but he never really did much the rest of his professional career. Ian Nolan did receive 17 caps for Northern Ireland, but he never reached the heights of playing for Wednesday after he left the club. Stefanovic was the youngest of all the defenders that frequently contributed at 25, but only went on to be mainly a substitute role while at Portsmouth and even at Fulham in the mid to late 2000s. Lastly, Andy Hitchcliffe might have picked up seven England caps, but he was not able to garner over 100 appearances for Wednesday and he retired from injuries four seasons later while Barrett retired two seasons later. So unlike Derby's iteration, Wednesday had many defenders at the peak of their powers and never really took off afterwards.

1995/96 Wimbledon (29 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Paul Heald (GK), Neil Sullivan (GK), Chris Perry, Kenny Cunningham, Alan Kimble, Alan Reeves, Andy Thorn

Amazingly, Wimbledon would go on to finish 14th after their supposed shaky start to the 1995/96 season. I say supposed because the narrative gets lost where they actually won three of their first five fixtures and recorded two clean sheets (the last being against Liverpool of all teams!). From there, Joe Kinnear's team would go on to get outscored 22-6 in their next seven league matches, including a 6-1 defeat to Newcastle and a 4-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Wimbledon got their next clean sheet in a scoreless draw with Middlesbrough on November 18th and had to wait until December 26th to collect another win, against Chelsea. Fortunately, the club would win enough games and score enough goals to get them closer to mid table. But this was without having to ground share with Crystal Palace down at Selhurst Park and be in the midst of their financial struggle that will see them get relegated in 2000 and no longer run as a functioning football club before their resurrection.

This was a club that had some famous names in Vinnie Jones and Robbie Earle, but what about those responsible for the shoddy defending? Kenny Cunningham would actually go on to receive 76 caps for Ireland while playing over 250 times for Wimbledon and over 100 times for Birmingham during their rise to Premier League status in the 2000s. Paul Heald was a newcomer to the club that season and would only play 18 times over previous number one Hans Segers. He would never get this much playing time at club level ever again. Alan Kimble was a solid contributor for the post-Crazy Gang era with over 200 appearances at the club, but he was 29 at the time and never went on to be a regular anywhere else afterwards. Alan Reeves was also in his late 20s this particular season before becoming a solid regular for Swindon Town to round out his professional career. Andy Thorn was 30 by the end of this season and would go on to retire from football two seasons later. Lastly, Chris Perry was the most successful of the lot as he went on to garner many club appearances at Tottenham, Charlton and West Brom before him and his 479 appearances called it a day. So this was a hodge-podge group at best, but at least Cunningham's and Perry's futures make up for the club's failures that season.

2011/12 Bolton (29 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Adam Bogan (GK), Jussi Jaskelainen (GK), David Wheater, Zat Knight, Gretar Steinsson, Sam Ricketts, Gary Cahill, Paul Robinson, Tim Ream, Dedryck Boyata

The last season Bolton were in the Premier League saw them start the year as poorly as you could get defensively. And in the end, it cost them survival in the top flight as they went ahead to give up 77 goals. If I were to tell you that fellow relegated teams Blackburn and Wolves gave up more than that, you would have been quite surprised. But when you go through eight defenders, two goalkeepers and a manager in Owen Coyle that has turned out to have a poor career behind the bench, it should come as no surprise why Bolton were that poor on the back end.

Jussi Jaskelainen was such a dependable goalkeeper throughout his career, but to see him hit the tail end of his prime at 37 years old was quite painful. He would play for West Ham and Wigan before leaving England, but never while being a club's number one choice ever again. Adam Bogan was an up-and-coming starter and would go on to have another three solid seasons with Wanderers while in the Championship before becoming a backup goalkeeper in Liverpool ever since.

The fact that David Wheater, a career Championship center back, played the most minutes among Bolton defenders in his first season at the club tells you everything about how poor this team was. Ditto to the fact that Tim Ream got so much playing time for them as well. Speaking of beleaguered Fulham players, Zat Knight was a part of this club at age-32 and he stayed at Bolton for another two seasons before retiring in 2015. It didn't help matters that Gary Cahill left the club in his age-26 season and with seven England caps at the time to go join Chelsea in January.

Paul Robinson (the other one will be talked about later) would also move in January, to Leeds United, before playing 175 times for Birmingham City to finish out his career in 2018. Gretar Steinsson would just play nine more times in Turkey after this fateful season and would retire from football at age-31 after no-one else wanted to sign him. Sam Ricketts was also on the wrong side of 30 in 2011/12 but at least he had a couple of solid seasons with Wolves and Coventry City before calling it time in his career in 2017. Finally, Dedrick Boyata was the youngest contributor at the time at 22-years old and is currently building a solid, yet unspectacular career, at Celtic and Belgium. So besides Boyata, Cahill and maybe Ream if he can get on Ranieri's, man was this a poor season for Bolton and their defense.

2012/13 Southampton (30 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Artur Boruc (GK), Kelvin Davis (GK), Nathaniel Clyne, Maya Yoshida, José Fonte, Jos Hooiveld, Luke Shaw, Danny Fox

Among the clubs that started off so poorly, yet was able to turn the ship around the best, was Southampton in their first season back in the Premier League. They were led by the always limited Nigel Adkins to start the season, who did guide them towards promotion the season before, until the now legendary Mauricio Pochettino took charge.

It was an odd sacking at the time as Southampton were in 15th position and seemed to have turn things around under Adkins. They drew four times in their last five games of Adkins' tenure, including important points gained against Arsenal and Chelsea, and they only conceded just eight times in their 10 games after their rockey start. However, Pochettino went on to bring the defensive solidity and belief to see the club reach heights they haven't reached since. Southampton's 22 goals in their last 16 contests was enough to clinch survival that has gone on to last for another six seasons and their 60 goals conceded throughout the campaign was much better than what it looked like at the start.

Artur Boruc and Maya Yoshida arrived at the club over the summer and while the latter is still at St. Mary's Stadium with 163 appearances and 88 caps for Japan under his belt, Boruc is not though he did become Bournemouth's number one when they too arrived in the Premier League in 2015. Kelvin Davis played 687 club games in England and played 301 of his final appearances with the Saints while being the first choice in their promotion season before calling it a career in 2016. Nathaniel Clyne looked to be England's future left back when he arrived from Crystal Palace as a 21-year old, but his transfer from Liverpool hasn't been a complete success as injuries and the rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold has seen his potential mostly go to waste. José Fonte became club captain at Southampton and went on to play 36 times for Portugal before moving on to West Ham and then China. Jos Hooiveld was on the wrong side of 30 and never established himself in the South Coast. He is currently playing in the U.S. at Orange County SC. Danny Fox's last great season came in the promotion campaign and it took until a transfer to Nottingham Forest before the Scotsman was able to get regular gametime again. Lastly, Luke Shaw was another future fullback for England before injuries and a difficult transfer to Manchester United stalled that as of today. So by the end of 2013, Southampton not only survived, but discovered a manager and a back four that worked for them for seasons to come. It's the best case scenario that Fulham should look after.

2003/04 Leeds United (31 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Paul Robinson (GK), Gary Kelly, Dominic Matteo, Ian Harte, Michael Duberry, Zoumana Camara, Steven Caldwell, Lucas Radebe

We now point out towards the worst case scenario as this is the last time we ever saw Leeds United in the richest league in the world. The football club have never been the same since as financial meltdowns continued to haunt them to this day. And what seemed like a nightmarish defense at the start continued with a league worst 79 goals conceded and a sacking of then manager Peter Reid by November.

Paul Robinson might be the punchline that keeps on giving, but his reputation wasn't soured enough back then as he was just a 23-year old hoping to become England's number one in the near future. Gary Kelly was loyal through and through and stayed at Elland Road until his career came to an end in 2007 with 430 club appearances and 52 Ireland caps. Ian Harte was just at the prime of his career back then and his time at Levante was at least a successful one. The attacking fullback would never reach those heights again, especially after being blackballed by Roy Keane during his time with Sunderland in 2007/08, but he would leave football with 547 club appearances and 64 Ireland caps plus and almost 100 goals for club and country. Lucas Radebe is a cult hero for Leeds, but he was 35 years old by that season's end and would last just another two more campaigns before leaving the game.

2003/04 was Dominic Matteo's final season at Leeds before trying to salvage his career at Blackburn and Stoke City before leaving the game in 2009. Steven Caldwell tried to save United's season as a 23-year old January loan signee from Newcastle, but wasn't able to make it happen. He at least had solid outings with Sunderland, Burnley, Birmingham City and Toronto FC before his career came to an end. Zoumana Kamara didn't really do much as a loan signing from Lens but the rest of his career was decent at Saint Etienne and Paris Saint-Germain before he retired in 2015. Lastly, Michael Durberry led all Leeds center backs in league minutes played with 1,710. He would at least return to England's top flight with Reading in 2006 after having a solid tenure with Stoke City. He also has solid seasons at St. Johnstone in Scotland but he was never able to be a top flight defender after that fateful season. In hindsight, Steven Caldwell and Paul Robinson were the last pieces that had any form of long term value at the club as the rest of Leeds United's back line decayed along with the club.

1997/98 Barnsley (35 goals conceded)

Backline Contributors: Dave Watson (GK), Nicky Eaden, Darren Barnard, Adie Moses, Arjan de Zeeuw, Scott Jones, Chris Morgan

Finally, we need to talk about the greatest culprits of bad defending in the history of the Premier League. We can certainly talk about Swindon Town's 100 goals conceded season in 1993/94, but they played four more games due to a 22-team league. In order to make this comparable with what Fulham will have to face, I only included teams that played 38 games in England's current iteration of the top flight. To this day, no other club that has competed in that format since has given up that many goals in 12 games than Barnsley's only appearance in the Premier League. And the poor old Owls would finish the year with a league worst 82 conceded before never showing their faces in this division ever again.

They were managed by then 38-year old Danny Wilson and he did go on to be behind the bench for over 1,000 games throughout England. He did give it a go the following season at Sheffield Wednesday but not before he left the club in 2000 and was never seen in either the Premier League or the Championship ever again. Dave Watson seemed like he was going to have a great career in the game before a horrific knee injury in September 1998 curtailed that future and was forced to call it quits at age-28 in 2001.

Nicky Eaden would stay at Barnsley for another two seasons and would go on to garner a solid reputation at Wigan during their run towards top flight promotion, but he never was able to translate his 580 club appearances into more top flight outings. Darren Bernard stayed at Oakwell until 2002 and would play for Wales 24 times in the process, but like Eaden, he couldn't reach those heights again like he did in 1997/98. Adie Moses seemed like one for the future at 22-year old, but injuries limited his opportunities and would only play 380 club games in total before retiring in 2009. Scott Jones also didn't offer that much to the English game besides unmatched potential.

There were two players that went on to have solid careers otherwise. Chris Morgan helped guide Sheffield United towards promotion towards the Premier League in 2006 and would play over 200 times for both the Owls and Blades. Finally, Arjan de Zeeuw was a critical piece of Portsmouth's promotion campaign in 2003 and would go on to garner 553 club appearances of his own. So even the worst defenses go on to find some diamonds in the rough.

——

So in the end, Fulham are joined second worst in goals conceded in this stretch of Premier League play since the league became a 20-team division in 1995/96. That is ominous if you are comparing it to just Bolton, Leeds United and Barnsley, but they have opportunities to turn things around, like Southampton and Derby did. Even if things don't improve dramatically like Sheffield Wednesday or Wimbledon, that doesn't mean relegation is in the cards either. Not all these clubs sacked their manager, but not all these clubs spent so much in the transfer market and expect much more from their attack either.

That's why Fulham are comparable to Leeds United, Southampton and Wednesday in sacking their manager mid-season. Now they need to find a way to make sure the futures of young players like Calum Chambers, Alfie Mawson, Marcus Bettinelli, Sergio Rico and Joe Bryan don't go to waste.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/11/24/18021668/how-ominous-is-fulhams-defense

 
Southampton Injury News: Michael Obafemi the natural replacement for Danny Ings

Southampton manager Mark Hughes confirmed in his pre-match Fulham press conference on Thursday that striker Danny Ings is a "big doubt" for his team's crucial Premier League clash against their fellow strugglers at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

What's the word, then?

Well, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to west London to face Claudio Ranieri's men, the 55-year-old said:

    "Danny is the big doubt at the moment.

    "He's only just got out on the grass so maybe tomorrow we might be able to integrate him into the group. As we stand at the moment, he has to be a doubt."

The 26-year-old summer addition was forced off during the first-half of the 1-1 draw with Watford at St Mary's last time out having picked up a knock during the warm-up, and it appears as though he still hasn't recovered.

What will it mean for Hughes' frontline?

The Welshman knows what an important game this is for both the south coast and himself – reports suggest he is likely to go if his team lose – and they he still has plenty of options to choose from even with Ings potentially missing out and Shane Long definitely absent.

Manolo Gabbiadini is one of those but having impressed and scored against the Hornets from a wide position, he may not be the best choice through the middle for the visitors.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/southampton/injury-news-danny-ings-return-date

 
Fulham players need flexible presence - Ranieri

New Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri has insisted his players need confidence in their fight against relegation from the Premier League.

New Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri insists his players will need to be nurtured but also receive a robust appraisal if they are to survive the threat of relegation.

The 67-year-old replaced Slavisa Jokanovic earlier this month with Fulham at the bottom of the Premier League table, having claimed only one win in their opening 12 fixtures.

Ahead of Saturday's match at home to Southampton, the Italian revealed his demeanour must be flexible to get the most out of his playing group.

"In the dressing room, I am different. It depends what happens," Ranieri said. "Sometimes I could take this table and flip it in the air.

"Sometimes I enjoy, sometimes I am very strong. My players know me. My players know me very well."

Asked if he will flip a table during half-time with Fulham - after revealing he did so while in charge of Chelsea - Ranieri insisted this initial stage of his task does not call for bombast.

"With them? No. With these players, no. Not yet. Not yet," he said. "At this moment, I must give confidence. I say our fans must help us, it is because our players need confidence.

"They need to feel good feelings with the fans because, maybe, they are a little anxious, nervous. That is normal."

Fulham have yet to keep a clean sheet since their return to the English top flight, and more than anything, Ranieri is looking for stability and desire at Craven Cottage.

"My plan is to maintain good football but without conceding goals. Maybe it is not possible at the beginning, but it is important to maintain clean sheets," he said.

"We have to fight. Our fans must understand that, at this moment, we have to fight. Our fans must be happy when they see their players fighting on the pitch, win or lose."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-players-need-flexible-presence-ranieri

 
Claudio Ranieri's miracle at Parma could be the basis for his plans to get Fulham out of trouble

The Italian saved the club back in 2007 from relegation from Serie A and it suggest he could be the right man for the job

Claudio Ranieri isn't usually the bookies' favourite to take over a club in a relegation battle - but one miracle he performed back in 2007 suggests Fulham might have the right man for the job.

Before performing his miracle in Leicester, Ranieri worked another one in Parma, Italy.

The former Valencia, Chelsea, Inter, Roma and Juventus manager was appointed Parma boss on February 12, 2007 and with 22 games played, the former UEFA Cup winners were down in 19th place in Serie A with just three wins and 15 points to their name:

Pos | Team | Played | Points

17 | Chievo | 22 | 18

18 | Messina | 22 | 17

19 | Parma | 22 | 15

20 | Ascoli | 22 | 12

Things didn't start too well for Ranieri, losing his first game away to Sampdoria 1-0, and that was followed by a run of four straight draws.

It meant that by mid-March, Parma were still in 19th place, five points from safety but with 11 games left to play.

Pos | Team | Played | Points

17 | Chievo | 27 | 24

18 | Reggina | 27 | 22

19 | Parma | 27 | 19

20 | Ascoli | 27 | 19

Things turned around with a 1-0 home win against Siena on March 18 - Parma lost their next game 2-0 away to eventual champions Inter Milan.

Ranieri's side then went on a five game unbeaten run which included three straight wins including a dramatic 4-3 away victory against Palermo.

An away loss to Chievo was followed by two wins and a draw in their last three games of the campaign. By the end of the season Parma's future was secured - at least for the time being - with the Emilia-Romagna side eventually finishing 12th.

Pos | Team | Played | Points

12 | Parma | 38 | 42

13 | Catania | 38 | 41

14 | Reggina | 38 | 40

15 | Siena | 38 | 40

16 | Torino | 38 | 40

17 | Cagliari | 38 | 40

18 | Chievo | 38 | 39

19 | Ascoli | 38 | 27

20 | Messina | 38 | 26



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/claudio-ranieris-miracle-parma-could-15456004

 
Fulham to bid for Boyata again

Premier League side Fulham are ready to move for Celtic star Dedryck Boyata again in January, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper report that the Cottagers retain an interest in the 27-year-old centre-back after Claudio Ranieri took over from Slavisa Jokanovic as boss, with the club previously seeing a £9million summer bid fall short.

The Mail claim that Fulham will likely look to snap Boyata up for a lower fee in the upcoming market after Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers admitted an exit was likely for the Belgium international in the coming months.

Good move for Celtic?
No, but there is not much they can do in this situation.

The club have two choices regarding the enforcer, and neither is particularly attractive. Either they sell Boyata on for a minimal fee in January to get some return on their investment, or they keep hold of him and watch him walk away for free in the summer.

In all honesty, the second option is likely to be the one which makes most sense, with Boyata being so key to their hopes for the rest of the season.

He is probably worth more to the club staying and helping them achieve their aims then leaving, rather than walking away in the middle of the season.

This is Futbol rating: 1/10

Likely to happen?
Rodgers has already admitted that Boyata is likely to sign the contract of his life in the coming months, but it was not clear if he meant in January or the summer.

It is likely that the club would like to keep hold of him in the January window, but that is not explicitly clear as of yet.

Either outcome is a distinct possibility, and only time will tell which solution the club end up going for.

This is Futbol rating: 3/10



https://thisisfutbol.com/2018/11/blogs/scottish-premier-league/fulham-to-bid-for-boyata-again/

Fulham vs Southampton: Claudio Ranieri ready to lose his temper to turn Cottagers around

The 67-year-old replaced Slavisa Jokanovic with the Whites struggling at the foot of the table

New Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri insists he will have no trouble getting angry with his players as he looks to guide them to Premier League survival.

The 67-year-old replaced Slavisa Jokanovic with the Whites struggling at the foot of the table having lost their last seven games in all competitions.

It is Ranieri's first job in England since his title-winning spell in charge of Leicester ended with the sack in February 2017.

During his time in the east midlands, Ranieri became synonymous with his friendly demeanour when speaking to the media and interacting with supporters.

But, ahead of his first game in charge against fellow strugglers Southampton, the Italian revealed he can lose his temper if needs be.

"Don't look at me here, with the smiling," he said when asked if he is capable of dishing out rollickings to his players. "In the dressing room, I am different. It depends what happens. Sometimes I could take this table and flip it in the air.

"Sometimes I enjoy, sometimes I am very strong. My players know me. My players know me very well."

After revealing he had flipped a table when he was particularly upset during a match as Chelsea boss, Ranieri seems to be approaching his latest post by putting his arm around his players.

"With them? No. With these players, no. Not yet. Not yet," he said when asked if he had been tough with his Fulham squad.

"At this moment, I must give confidence. I say our fans must help us, it is because our players need confidence.

"They need to feel good feelings with the fans because, maybe, they are a little anxious, nervous. That is normal."

(https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/11/22/16/Claudio-Ranieri.jpg?w660)
Ranieri is in positive mood ahead of his first game (Reuters)

Fulham have yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet since their return to the top flight and Jokanovic named a different defensive unit in each of the 12 games he oversaw before his dismissal.

Ranieri is looking for an improved display at the back as his target in the early weeks of his tenure as he looks to steady the ship at Craven Cottage.

"My plan is to maintain good football but without conceding goals," he said.

"Maybe it is not possible at the beginning, but it is important to maintain clean sheets at the beginning."

Asked if keeping clean sheets was his number one priority, he added: "Yes, of course. You can play well and lose. Then you can play badly and continue to lose.

"You play badly, get three points. Second match, you get worse than badly, but get another three points. Six points. After three or four matches, you play also well.

"We have to fight. Our fans must understand that, at this moment, we have to fight. Our fans must be happy when they see their players fighting on the pitch, win or lose."



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/fulham-vs-southampton-latest-news-claudio-ranieri-premier-league-epl-a8649726.html

 
What pundits are predicting for Claudio Ranieri's first game as Fulham boss against Southampton

Pundits have their say as Ranieri takes charge of Fulham for first time against Southampton

Claudio Ranieri is facing a must-win game for his first match in charge of Fulham against Southampton.

That's the view of former Arsenal and Aston Villa star Paul Merson, who has given his thoughts on the game for his weekly predictions feature for the Sky Sports website.

The Italian takes charge of Fulham for the first time this afternoon (Saturday) as the Whites welcome Mark Hughes' side to Craven Cottage, with just three sides separating the two sides near the bottom of the Premier League table.

And Merson says that makes this a difficult game for Ranieri to come into for his first match at the helm.

"I can't do Fulham, they are all over the place," Merson said.

"The problem I have with this game is, let's be honest, Fulham have to win this game.

"So nothing really changes for me, as they are going to play open and defensively, they are just not good enough.

"This is a hard game for new manager Claudio Ranieri to come into because they have to win it."

But Merson doesn't think they will, with the pundit predicting a 2-1 win for the visitors.

However, BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson has a different opinion on the game, with the former Liverpool defender predicting a 2-1 win for Fulham in Ranieri's first game in charge.

He said: "You nearly always get a bounce when you bring in a new manager, because players who have been in and out of the team feel they have got a chance to persuade him they should be starting.

"Claudio Ranieri is a bit of a feel-good appointment for the fans as well, and I am expecting him to have an instant impact at Craven Cottage after replacing Slavisa Jovanovic."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/what-pundits-predicting-fulham-southampton-15459469

 
Limited Southampton Tickets

There's still time to watch Claudio Ranieri's first game in charge of the Whites as we take on Southampton at Craven Cottage this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

A limited number of seats remain in the Putney Stand, available to Season Ticket Holders, Members and supporters with Booking History.

Get behind the boys with tickets on sale from the Fulham Ticket Office located on Stevenage Road.

Come On You Whites!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/november/24/southampton-tickets

 
LONDONERS EYE UP BOYATA BID

TROUBLED Fulham, who are fighting for Premier League survival, are preparing a new bid for Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata.

However, as CQN pointed out earlier this month, the London club, who had a £9million offer rejected in the summer, are likely to be out of luck again.

Boyata, who is in the final year of his Hoops contract and will be allowed to talk to interested clubs in January, could walk away for nothing in the summer.

However, the rock-bottom Craven Cottage outfit could try again for the 27-year-old Belgian international centre-back.

Former Chelsea and Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri, who replaced the axed Slavisa Jokanovic last week, is also an admirer of the ex-Manchester City prospect who was signed for £1.5million deal by Ronny Deila in the summer of 2015.

Boss Brendan Rodgers admitted at the club's AGM this week that the player is likely to leave the champions in search of a massive contract elsewhere.

The Hoops gaffer said: "He's at the stage where he will assess everything and he is probably going to sign the biggest deal of his life over the next couple of months."

Boyata incurred the wrath of the fans and some former players for apparently downing tools and refusing to travel to Greece for the crucial Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens in August, where Rodgers' side crashed out of Europe's elite on a 3-2 aggregate.

Remarkably, he made a comeback against Hamilton Accies at Parkhead 12 days later and scored the only goal of the game.

Apart from his one-match suspension from the 3-0 Betfred League Cup semi-final over Hearts at Murrayfield following his red card against St Johnstone, Boyata has been an ever-present since his return.

Celtic have not given up hope of persuading the talented defender to agree an extension, but it looks increasingly likely he will be on the move in either January or June.



https://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/londoners-eye-up-boyata-bid/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+co%2FIRuC+%28Celtic+Quick+News%29

 
Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham 'have all asked' already about signing ahead of January window

Emiliano Sala has been the subject of several transfer rumours in the English media recently.

The 28 year old Argentine is enjoying a good season with Nantes, and that naturally brings interest from elsewhere.

But, despite the English claims, there hasn't really been much in the French media about a possible Premier League move for the Argentine.

That changes on Saturday, as L'Equipe has a big article on his future.

It's explained he almost left in the summer window, and now things are looking 'intense' ahead of the January market.

Three English clubs 'have all asked', either directly or indirectly, about the player's situation and a potential transfer. Those are named as Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham.

For Crystal Palace, it's stated their interest has been 'continuous' and dates back to last season. There's also interest from China.

Sala earns less than €50k a month, according to the report, and a work permit wouldn't be a problem because he holds an Italian passport.

He's scored 13 goals so far this season, in 14 matches.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/crystal-palace-fulham-west-ham-asked-already-signing-ahead-january-window/

 
Under-18s: Fulham 0-0 Chelsea

Chelsea's Under-18s missed out on the chance to close the gap at the top of the Premier League South table on Saturday morning as they were held to a goalless draw by West London neighbours Fulham at Motspur Park.

With the top two in Tottenham and Arsenal playing in North London, the opportunity was at hand for Andy Myers' boys to take advantage with a derby win of their own, but a combination of bad luck and bad finishing left them ruing the result. Sam McClelland and Marcel Lavinier both struck the woodwork in the first half, while Fulham goalkeeper George Wickens was by far the busier stopper from start to finish.

It was Lavinier, playing at wing back and seeking to add more goals to his game, that first went close with a curling and dipping effort off his left foot inside the opening quarter of an hour, before McClelland guided an unmarked header towards goal only to be denied by a combination of the post and Wickens.

The frame of the goal intervened again when Lavinier's thunderous strike from the edge of the area smashed off the crossbar, leaving the frame of the goal reverberating, and the Chelsea man cursing his luck. Clinton Mola tried his best with a similar shot but found Wickens in his way, as the Blues' bear one-way traffic failed to yield a first half breakthrough.

Ballo thought he'd unlocked the door within a minute of the restart, as he beat Riley Warland for pace and bore down on goal, but a terrific late tackle by Tristan Cover saved the day. Mola followed that with a run down the left and a shot from a tight angle, but couldn't best Wickens yet again.

Fulham carried relatively little attacking threat themselves as Timmy Abraham was well-marshalled by McClelland, Jack Wakely and Dynel Simeu, and Jake Askew only had to clean up anything making its way into his area. Chelsea looked by far the more likely to score, consistently getting into position, but were far too wasteful once they got there.

Lavinier sliced wide when he should have done better and, at the very end, substitutes Henry Lawrence and Armando Broja linked up well for one final hurrah, but Broja missed the target with what was probably the best chance of the entire match.

The draw brought an end to a nine-game winning run, and Chelsea will look to get back on track next Saturday, when they welcome Reading to Cobham.

Fulham: Wickens, McAvoy, Cover, De Havilland, Asare, Warland, Carvalho, Davis, Abraham (Ablade), Hilton, Tahir (Jasper)
Subs not Used: Chisholm, Page, Tiehi

Chelsea: Askew, McClelland, Wakely (c), Simeu, Maatsen, Mola (Lawrence), Lavinier (Aina), Russell, Nunn (Broja), Ballo, Lewis
Subs not Used: Žiger, Ekwah Elimby



http://thechels.net/2018/11/under-18s-fulham-0-0-chelsea-2/

 
Fulham v Southampton line-ups: Ranieri names first line-up, Saints duo miss out

Claudio Ranieri has named his first side as Fulham boss.

John Michael Seri is recalled, Rico gets the nod over Marcus Bettinelli in goal, and the fit-again Joe Bryan is a substitute.

For Southampton, Mario Lemina has been passed fit to start but Danny Ings is injured and Ryan Bertrand suspended.

Fulham: Rico, Odoi, Chambers, Le Marchand, Mawson, Christie, Sessegnon, Seri, Cairney, Schurrle, Mitrovic.
Subs: Bettinelli, Kebano, Johansen, Ayite, Ream, Bryan, Kamara.

Southampton: McCarthy, Soares, Yoshida, Hoedt, Targett, Hojbjerg, Lemina, Armstrong, Redmond, Austin, Gabbiadini.
Subs: Gunn, Vestergaard, Stephens, Davis, Elyounoussi, Ward-Prowse, Obafemi.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-v-southampton-line-ups-ranieri-names-first-line-up-saints-duo-miss-out