Monday Fulham Stuff - 13/04/26...

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Results

Sunday 12/04
Palace	2-1	Newcastle
Forest	1-1	Villa
Sunderland	1-0	Spurs
Chelsea	0-3	Man City

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Marco Silva: 'The game was decided in five minutes'
Marco Silva admitted Fulham were not aggressive enough in the first half as Liverpool scored twice in five minutes at Anfield to win 2-0.

Marco Silva spoke about a 2-0 defeat for Fulham against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah scored goals for the Reds in a decisive five-minute spell, and the response from the players was too late in the eyes of the Portuguese head coach.

    'The first half was not aggressive enough'

"The game was decided in five minutes. In my opinion it was decided in that first half, where our approach was not aggressive enough, on and off the ball.

"We gave Liverpool the chance to build up their attack too easily in some moments, not with the right aggressiveness off the ball. That was the reason why they had the chances and they were in command of the game most of the time during the first half.

    Silva on the opening goal

"And the good example of that is the way they score the first goal – a long ball from the goalkeeper, the way they were able to win that ball in the air, lack of communication between two players, Salah's first contact on the ball, the way they won the second ball before the great finishing of Rio.

    'Second half was completely different'

"Second half was completely different – our approach, our aggressiveness on and off the ball. I know that Liverpool was winning the game, but the way we won many balls in our offensive half, we were much more aggressive, we created much more chances as well.

"Of course, we were not ruthless enough, because with a goal we can create a different scenario in the stadium, in the opposition side as well. We got a big chance with Emile Smith Rowe to score, and the game is going to be probably different [if it goes in].

"We tried to score the 2-1, but we were not ruthless. Liverpool when they had the chances, first half, they did it, and that made a big impact in the game.

"But our face and our image as a team is much more that second half than the first half. For us to win games and to be fighting for what we want to fight for, it has to be much more in the way we played second half than we did first half."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/04/11/fulham/1257197-marco-silva-the-game-was-decided-in-five-minutes.html

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Marco Silva says what Fulham failed to take advantage of and makes 'excuses' claim after Liverpool loss
Liverpool earned a 2-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League at Anfield.

Marco Silva insisted Fulham's lack of aggression in and out of possession was their downfall against Liverpool.

The Reds ended a run of three successive defeats by recording a 2-0 win over the Cottagers at Anfield. Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old winger, opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Mo Salah doubled the advantage four minutes later.

Fulham did improve after the break but they struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Emile Smith Rowe spurning the best opportunity. Liverpool's win edged them closer to securing Champions League qualification as they moved four points clear of Chelsea.

Fulham head coach Silva said: "The game was decided in five minutes. In my opinion, it was decided in that first half, where our approach was not aggressive enough, on and off the ball.

"We gave Liverpool the chance to build up their attack too easily in some moments, not with the right aggressiveness off the ball. That was the reason why they had the chances and they were in command of the game most of the time during the first half.

"And the good example of that is the way they score the first goal – a long ball from the goalkeeper, the way they were able to win that ball in the air, lack of communication between two players, Salah's first contact on the ball, the way they won the second ball before the great finishing of Rio.

"I think it's a good example about our approach during that first half that was not aggressive enough for the level of a game in the Premier League, and a game that we wanted to win, and had the ambition to win.

"Second half was completely different – our approach, our aggressiveness on and off the ball. I know that Liverpool was winning the game, but the way we won many balls in our offensive half, we were much more aggressive, we created much more chances as well.

"Of course, we were not ruthless enough, because with a goal we can create a different scenario in the stadium, in the opposition side as well. We got a big chance with Emile to score, and the game is going to be probably different [if it goes in].

"We tried to score the 2-1, but we were not ruthless. Liverpool when they had the chances, first half, they did it, and that made a big impact in the game.

"But our face and our image as a team is much more that second half than the first half. For us to win games and to be fighting for what we want to fight for, has to be much more in the way we played second half than we did first half."

Fulham were playing their first game in three weeks because of the international break and last weekend's FA Cup quarter-final fixtures. But Silva made no excuses. He added: "That is an easy excuse, because we play in the second half. Most of our players were three weeks without a Premier League game but they had international games and it is not an excuse for us. Liverpool had FA Cup and Champions League and if you look at that we should have taken advantage of their game on Wednesday night."



https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/liverpool/marco-silva-says-what-fulham-failed-to-take-advantage-of-and-makes-excuses-claim-after-liverpool-loss-6571466

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Report: Fulham set to move for £30m Bundesliga attacker

Fulham Plot Strategic Move for Malik Tillman as Harry Wilson Exit Looms

Fulham Transfer Strategy Takes Shape
Fulham's summer planning is already unfolding with a clear sense of direction as the club prepares for the likely departure of Harry Wilson. With the Wales international set to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season, attention has turned to Bayer Leverkusen's Malik Tillman as a potential replacement who could reshape Marco Silva's attacking midfield options.

According to reports originally published by the Daily Mail, Fulham are actively exploring a deal for the 23-year-old, who has developed into a versatile and technically refined attacking midfielder. The Cottagers are understood to be weighing up whether to test Leverkusen's resolve despite Tillman having four years remaining on his contract.

Wilson's impending exit has created both a tactical gap and an opportunity. Fulham are not merely seeking a like-for-like replacement but are instead targeting a player who can evolve their attacking structure. Tillman, capable of operating centrally or drifting from the left, offers that flexibility.

Malik Tillman Profile and Career Path
Malik Tillman's trajectory has been one of steady, intelligent progression. Developed within Bayern Munich's academy, he represents the modern hybrid midfielder, comfortable between the lines and composed under pressure. His early senior exposure came in Germany before productive loan spells at Rangers and PSV Eindhoven sharpened his attacking instincts.

At PSV, Tillman demonstrated his ability to influence games in the final third, combining physical presence with technical precision. That form earned him a permanent move before Bayer Leverkusen secured his services in a deal reportedly worth £30 million.

Now entering his prime years, Tillman's profile aligns with Fulham's recruitment model. He is young enough to develop further but experienced enough to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. His international eligibility for the United States, through his father, also adds global appeal as he eyes a place in Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup plans.

Harry Wilson Exit Sparks Premier League Interest
Harry Wilson's situation has intensified the urgency of Fulham's transfer activity. The 29-year-old winger is attracting attention from multiple Premier League sides, with Everton, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace all reportedly interested in securing his signature.

Wilson's influence this season has not gone unnoticed. His creativity, set-piece delivery and work rate have made him a valuable asset, which is why his departure without a transfer fee represents both a loss and a strategic pivot point for Fulham.

From a tactical perspective, replacing Wilson is not straightforward. His ability to stretch defences and contribute goals from wide areas has been integral to Fulham's attacking balance. Tillman, while stylistically different, offers a more centralised threat, suggesting a possible shift in Silva's system towards a more fluid attacking midfield structure.

Premier League Fit and Tactical Outlook
The potential arrival of Malik Tillman signals a subtle but important evolution in Fulham's playing identity. Rather than relying heavily on traditional wide play, the team could transition towards a system that emphasises interchanging attacking roles and positional intelligence.

Tillman's ability to operate behind the striker allows for greater creativity in central areas. His movement between defensive lines can unlock compact defences, a challenge Fulham have occasionally faced against lower-block opposition. Additionally, his physicality suits the demands of English football, reducing the adaptation risk often associated with overseas signings.

Timing could prove crucial in this transfer pursuit. With the World Cup on the horizon, Fulham may look to secure Tillman before his market value escalates. As noted in the original Daily Mail report, there is internal discussion about moving early in the summer window to avoid competition and inflated fees.

Fulham's recruitment approach appears calculated rather than reactive. Identifying Malik Tillman as a successor to Harry Wilson reflects a club thinking beyond immediate replacement and instead focusing on long-term progression. If executed effectively, this move could mark a significant step in Fulham's evolution within the Premier League landscape.



https://eplindex.com/145160/report-fulham-set-to-move-for-30m-bundesliga-attacker.html

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Iwobi, Bassey miss Champions League chance as Silva laments Fulham loss at Liverpool
Fulham's push for a place in next season's UEFA Champions League suffered a major setback after a 2–0 defeat away to Liverpool at Anfield, Soccernet.ng reports.

With the Premier League now guaranteed five Champions League spots for the 2026/27 campaign, the opportunity was clear. A win for Fulham would have taken them to 47 points, just five behind fifth-placed Liverpool, and firmly placed them in the race. Instead, they remain on 44 points and sit outside a crowded group of teams also chasing that final qualifying position.

Liverpool made the difference count early. Goals from Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah in the first half settled the contest, punishing a Fulham side that started slowly and never fully recovered from that early damage.

Manager Marco Silva did not hide his frustration after the match, pointing to a lack of aggression in the opening period as the key reason behind the defeat.

"Yes, it's true – the game was decided in five minutes," Silva told the official club channels. "In my opinion it was decided in that first half, where our approach was not aggressive enough, on and off the ball.

"We gave Liverpool the chance to build up their attack too easily in some moments, not with the right aggressiveness off the ball. That was the reason why they had the chances and they were in command of the game most of the time during the first half.

"And the good example of that is the way they score the first goal – a long ball from the goalkeeper, the way they were able to win that ball in the air, lack of communication between two players, Salah's first contact on the ball, the way they won the second ball before the great finishing of Rio."

Silva's words reflected a performance that left Fulham chasing shadows early on and ultimately chasing the game.

Nigerian trio show flashes, but Fulham fall short
After falling behind in the opening half, Fulham improved after the break, and several players, including their Nigerian internationals, tried to turn things around.

Alex Iwobi was one of Fulham's more lively players in midfield. Operating in a central role, he worked hard to link play and was involved in some of their better attacking moments, including winning a free-kick in a dangerous area late in the match. However, his efforts could not unlock a disciplined Liverpool defence.

At the back, Calvin Bassey returned from injury and delivered a committed performance. He made key clearances and one important header to deny a dangerous aerial threat. Still, he and the Fulham defence were exposed during that decisive first-half spell and could not stop Liverpool's clinical finishing.

Samuel Chukwueze, on loan from AC Milan, was introduced late on, coming off the bench in the 80th minute. In his short time on the pitch, he tried to add urgency to Fulham's attack. He saw one effort blocked and also created a chance for Raúl Jiménez, but the impact came too late to change the result.

Silva acknowledged the improvement after the break but stressed that Fulham failed to take their chances when it mattered.

"Second half was completely different – our approach, our aggressiveness on and off the ball. I know that Liverpool was winning the game, but the way we won many balls in our offensive half, we were much more aggressive, we created much more chances as well.

"Of course, we were not ruthless enough, because with a goal we can create a different scenario in the stadium, in the opposition side as well. We got a big chance with Emile to score, and the game is going to be probably different [if it goes in].

"We tried to score the 2-1, but we were not ruthless. Liverpool when they had the chances, first half, they did it, and that made a big impact in the game.

"But our face and our image as a team is much more that second half than the first half. For us to win games and to be fighting for what we want to fight for, has to be much more in the way we played second half than we did first half."

With just six matches left, Fulham now face a difficult path back into contention.

The Cottagers next face Brentford on Saturday, 18 April.



https://soccernet.ng/2026/04/iwobi-bassey-ucl-fulham-liverpool.html