Monday Fulham Stuff (20/01/14)...

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Fulham linked with United trio

Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen has been tipped to use his Manchester United contacts to improve his squad this month.

It is suggested in the Mail on Sunday that Ashley Young, Wilfried Zaha and Nani are among the United players that could move to Craven Cottage on loan.

All three players are said to also be targets for Aston Villa, Cardiff and Newcastle.

Fulham are also tipped to table one more offer for Ravel Morrison, having recently had a bid for the midfielder rejected by West Ham.

Related West London Sport story: Fulham discuss new bid for West Ham star

Meanwhile, Fulham want Burnley striker Danny Ings and are likely to make an improved offer for Leicester defender Liam Moore, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The Whites, who had a bid for Moore rejected, are said to be planning to submit an offer for Ings before the transfer deadline.

Related West London Sport story: Fulham told Leicester star will not be sold


http://www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/fulham-newcastle-aston-villa-and-cardiff-keen-on-man-utd-trio-report-wls-football

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Bittersweet For Burn

Disappointed by the result but encouraged by his performance, Dan Burn discusses his Barclays Premier League debut after the Whites slip to a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Bittersweet For Burn



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/19/burn-reaction?

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Fulham hoping to conclude deal with Man Utd for youngster

Manchester United youth player Larnell Cole is a transfer target for former United coach and Fulham manager Rene Muelensteen, reports the Daily Mail. The 20-year old winger impressed alongside another Fulham target Ravel Morrison in the United youth ranks but has not been able to break into the Red Devils' first team yet.

Manchester United are monitoring his progress closely though and with manager David Moyes placing an emphasis on youth at Old Trafford, Cole could soon get his opportunity in the big time.

Cole's former coach Muelensteen though wants to fast track the winger's progress by landing him at Craven Cottage. Reports suggest that Muelensteen, who has sent club record signing Bryan Ruiz on loan to PSV Eindhoven, looks at Cole as a player who could help the Cottagers avoid relegation this season.

It will be interesting to see if Man United would be keen on selling Cole, although a loan proposal for the 20-year old could interest David Moyes.

Moyes may not be able to provide the youngster first team action this season as his side are battling to finish in the top 4 following a poor start to the season and may therefore consider loaning Cole out to Fulham, who are in need of reinforcements.



http://footylatest.com/fulham-hoping-to-conclude-deal-with-man-utd-for-youngster/52954?

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Fulham Target Burnley Striker Ings
   
But will they be successful?

With the transfer window having been open for nineteen days now and with no sign of any significant movement by Fulham Football Club, one leading Sunday tabloid is inferring that Rene Meulensteen is in the market for a new striker.

Apparently, Fulham are set to make a bid, said to be in the region of £4 million for Burnley`s prolific England U21 striker Danny Ings.

Ings, a prolific marksman in the Championship, has netted 21times as Burnley make a bid for promotion.

The report goes on to suggest that Meulensteen is keen to bring the age of our starting eleven down and sees Ings as a player capable of doing that whilst also making an impact in the Premier League.

It remains to be seen though whether Burnley are interested in selling at that price!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=346099#ixzz2quayOl7O

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Meulensteen Remains Positive
   
The trip to Arsenal was always going to be a daunting one, even more so when you consider that Arsenal are flying whilst we`re, unfortunately, stuttering along in a bad way.

However, keeping the Gunners at bay for the first forty-five minutes was a positive point although, as the pressure built, there was an air of inevitability about the goals when they finally come, after all the history books tell us that we`ve never beaten Arsenal in an away fixture.

Following yet another loss, as our season teeters on the brink, Rene Meulensteen tried to keep things positive in his after match remarks, commenting to the media,

'I thought we did ever so well. We were up against a top side. We limited them after their strong start."

'If we produced a bit more quality we could have nicked a goal in first half, but we will take a lot of heart from this performance.'

Indeed we can but we need to get a few positive results under our belts before things go from bad to worse!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=346101#ixzz2qubGwi1B

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Fulham skipper confident of survival despite Arsenal defeat


Fulham's Brede Hangeland applauds the fans after the game.
Picture: Andrew Matthews/EMPICS

Fulham captain Brede Hangeland feels Rene Meulensteen's men can pull clear of trouble despite their lowly position just a point outside the relegation zone.

The Whites will at least get some respite from their survival battle next week in the FA Cup fourth round at Sheffield United.

"It is real battle, but we are prepared to get enough points to stay inthe league," the Norway centre-half said.

"We are playing a slightly different way now, we are very organised and all know what we are trying to do.

"It is about getting that transformed into results on the pitch, and I am confident that will happen."


http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_skipper_confident_of_survival_despite_arsenal_defeat_1_3222219

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Fulham to Double Offer for Moore!

Fulham`s interest in the Leicester City defender Liam Moore is set to continue.

With it being reported that Leicester had rejected a £2 million bid, from Fulham, for the player last week and also indicating that he`s not for sale, it`s now being inferred that Rene Meulensteen is going back with a £4 million offer to see if Leicester will be prepared to cash in on their U21 international.

Will it be enough to persuade them to sell, I guess we`ll see shortly!


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=346112#ixzz2qubsqxqP

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Steve Sidwell thinks it is a bad idea for Fulham to sell Dimitar Berbatov
STEVE SIDWELL has urged Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen to reject any bids for his team-mate Dimitar Berbatov.


KEEP HIM BOSS: Steve Sidwell has urged Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen not to sell Dimitar Berbatov [GETTY]
The midfielder insists keeping talent such as Bulgarian Berba, 32, is essential to help the Cottagers hang on to their Premier League status.

Ex-Manchester United and Spurs forward Berbatov has been linked with a £2million move away, with Arsenal said to be interested.

Sidwell, 31, said: "In the Premier League you want your best players to stay because you know what they can produce on their day.

"His vision, touch and what he can do to win games week-in and week-out is there. He did that last season. He won numerous games with the goals he scored.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/361322/Steve-Sidwell-thinks-it-is-a-bad-idea-for-Fulham-to-sell-Dimitar-Berbatov

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Laudrup: Fulham clash must-win for Swansea

Michael Laudrup feels his Swansea City side must win their Premier League clash with Fulham, after falling to defeat against Tottenham.

Laudrup saw Swansea's winless run in the top flight stretch to eight matches with a 3-1 defeat on Sunday, as Emmanuel Adebayor scored either side of Chico Flores' own goal.

Wilfried Bony's late strike proved no more than a consolation and Swansea remain three points above the relegation zone.

The Welsh club's next three league matches are all against sides in the bottom four - Fulham, West Ham and Cardiff City - with Laudrup highlighting the visit of Rene Meulensteen's side as a game Swansea "need to win".

"We started well in the first half hour. We had a great attitude and put them (Tottenham) under pressure. We had some good chances and the strike from Bony hit the bar," said the Dane.

"The first time they have a shot on target they score - it is something that happens when you are struggling.

"We have to admit we have some problems right now. On the other hand, we have to continue like this. We need a win.

"The next four league games are against direct opponents. We play in the FA Cup next (against Championship side Birmingham City) then it is a game against Fulham, which is a game we want and need to win."

Swansea have won only twice at home in the top flight this season and sit 15th in the table.



Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/laudrup-fulham-clash-must-win#D008l5c8iEMTmZ1v.99

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Fulham's long-term flaws on display in Arsenal loss

Fulham were dogged for 50 minutes, but still undone by two quick-fire goals from the Gunners that settled the contest for Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates. Arsene Wenger's men deserved their victory and there were some positives that Rene Meulensteen drew comfort from in our resilience against the Premier League leaders. Still, it doesn't appear as if much has changed since our club's last meeting with Arsenal at the cottage back in August.

I touched base with another journo this week making his way in the media. He's a carbon copy of my own career start thirty years ago -- match day production shifts on local radio, researcher on Bundesliga matters for a new broadcaster (my big break came through ITV as I spoke fluent German and knew the Bundesliga scene inside out) and he's contributing Fulham articles to the web wherever he can get published. His name is Archie.

I think Archie's a secret Fulham fan. We both agreed the board had been lamentably slow in jettisoning the lame duck that was Martin Jol. By revisiting my blog of that first season loss at home by Arsenal last August, it is apparent how little has fundamentally changed.

The dilatory stance of the board meant Jol presided over a run of games which saw Fulham toss away vital points, while the ruinous state the team had been reduced to gave Rene a monumental ask in halting the slide quickly. It's not too late for our new management team of course, but disasters such as the abysmal team selection for Sunderland cannot be repeated.

As with the August game, Fulham lacked pace, effective wingers and any kind of cutting edge up front in this latest defeat. Arsenal's victory was never in doubt once Santi Cazorla was allowed to carry the ball too deep into our box for the opening goal that cooked our goose. Rene's upbeat assessment of the game is forgivable.

Our defence has been so apocalyptically bad this season that any kind of half-decent display from the back four draws credit. Dan Burn can be entirely satisfied with his league debut against an outstanding team. Horrific to think if Jol were still around Dan would be wearing Birmingham blue! And of course it is so reassuring to see Brede Hangeland back in the ranks after his injury-dogged season.

Further up the pitch however it was the same old story. Understandably, minds have been concentrated on that damaging goal difference (that may yet see us relegated). But, lest we forget, Fulham also have real issues when it comes to attack. Our leading scorer is a midfielder remember, and his defensive frailties cause Fulham to concede more goals than the player himself contributes.

While this Fulham side remains in such a state of flux, with Rene himself saying he's still unsure of what should be his ideal starting eleven, the manager perhaps has to keep faith a while longer with players who are just not good enough.

I've seen enough football down the years to form the opinion that Alex Kacaniklic has neither the mental nor physical capacity to cut it at this level. By contrast, Dimitar Berbatov has a range of skills one sees perhaps only once in a decade. Except the one glaring flaw in the Bulgarian's psyche is that he has no appetite to even try and perform in a losing cause. Sorry, but dump Dimi now while you can.

One could wrap this latest blog on a trite note by saying Fulham can learn from this defeat – and we were playing the league leaders. Except Fulham have learnt nothing since that 1-3 defeat in the rain last August. Now time is running out – all thanks to procrastination at the top.

As the clock runs down on the transfer window Fulham have one last chance to save themselves. They need to get real smart with transfers. The bare minimum required are all positions where we have been weak since last summer. A left-back is imperative, along with a striker (Charlie Austin would have been ideal), one genuine fast-raiding winger (again Wilfried Bony should have been picked up) and a proven midfield playmaker.

That's the mission Rene. Send the kids up to Sheffield next week by all means and let the old sweats have a good long rest before Swansea. Dare I say it, this is a good time to be playing them, and Swansea away is one of a clutch of six pointers where Fulham haveto start taking points between now and May.

Fulham's season, our very existence in the Premiership, sit on a knife edge.

twitter@fulhamphil



http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/fulham/id/1760?&cc=5739

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Chievo To Battle Fulham For Parma Defender



Chievo are looking to make a move for Parma left-back Djamel Mesbah and are set to battle it out with Fulham for his signature.

The 29-year-old former AC Milan defender has found playing time hard to come by this season for the Serie A side and a possible move away may interest him.

According to reports from Sportmediaset, the Algeria international is looking for more playing time and Chievo and Fulham have reportedly made offers to bring in the Parma left-back.

It is understood that Chievo have offered winger Marcelo Estigarribia in exchange for Mesbah but it is believed that Fulham's offer of cash only is what the Ducali are after.

Mesbah, who has played in Italy since 2008, has only managed to play 10 matches scoring one goal during his stay at the Gialloblù since his transfer from Milan in 2013.



http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2014/01/chievo-to-battle-fulham-for-parma-defender/?

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Fulham to Launch £4m Bid for Burnley Goal Machine Danny Ings



Craven Cottage side chase Championship starlet.

Fulham are lining up a January bid for in-form Burnley striker Danny Ings according to the Sunday Mirror.

Craven Cottage boss Rene Meulensteen has watched his side struggle for goals and is looking to freshen up his aging squad by mounting a £4m bid for England Under 21 international Ings, who has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season and is a player who would probably be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

Ings has helped Burnley mount a genuine push for promotion to the top tier but could opt for an instant move to the Premier League with a move to West London.

Fulham have loaned out Bryan Ruiz to PSV Eindhoven and the future of Dimitar Berbatov at the club seems uncertain and Ings could well offer the club a much need goal-scoring boost.



http://www.caughtoffside.com/2014/01/19/fulham-to-launch-4m-bid-for-burnley-goal-machine-danny-ings/?

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Loan watch: Clint Dempsey plays 90 minutes in Fulham's 2-0 loss to Arsenal

UPDATE 12:16 p.m. — Dempsey started and played a full 90 minutes in Saturday's road game at Arsenal, a 2-0 loss. Fulham didn't have much of the game, and thus, Dempsey wasn't able to have much of an impact, by all accounts.

Sounders FC star Clint Dempsey is on loan with Fulham FC of the English Premier League the next two months, so I figured it might be useful to have a post I can update over that span to keep track of his involvement.

Dempsey was first eligible for a Jan. 1 league game against West Ham United (a 2-1 win) following the opening of the transfer window, but he wasn't in uniform.

Updates will be posted below:

*     *     *

Date   Opponent   Competition   Result   Note
Jan. 1   vs. West Ham   Premier League   W, 2-1   Did not play, not available on bench
Jan. 4   at Norwich City   FA Cup third round   T, 1-1   Started, played full 90
Jan. 11   vs. Sunderland   Premier League   L, 4-1   Started, played 79 minutes
Jan. 14   vs. Norwich City   FA Cup third round (replay)   W, 3-0   Did not play, was available on bench
Jan. 18   at Arsenal   Premier League   L, 2-0   Started, played full 90
Jan. 25   Sheffield United   FA Cup fourth round   –   
Jan. 28   at Swansea City   Premier League   –   
Feb. 1   vs. Southampton   Premier League   –   
Feb. 9   at Manchester United   Premier League   –   
Feb. 12   vs. Liverpool   Premier League   –   
Feb. 15   TBD   FA Cup fifth round   –   If necessary
Feb. 22   West Bromwich Albion   Premier League



http://blogs.seattletimes.com/soundersfc/2014/01/19/loan-watch-clint-dempsey-not-in-action-for-fulham-against-west-ham/?

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Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen is staying positive


Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen stays positive

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen is confident his side can stop the rot and win their battle to stay in the Premier League.

The Cottagers went down 2-0 at leaders Arsenal on Saturday but Meulensteen is determined to find the positives.

"We are starting to look more solid, and that is our way forward," said the Dutchman.

"It gives confidence to the whole team, a feeling that we are more solid and that it is harder for opponents to break us down.

"We just need to make sure that one goal conceded does not create a ripple effect, which then creates a wave of negativity, we switch off for one split-second and all the hard work is undone."

Meulensteen added: "We focus on improving performances - making sure that we are defensively more solid, because we strongly believe that if we get more clean sheets, that will eventually keep us up.

"We have enough quality to win other games and to create chances to score."

Fulham are just a point above the drop zone, but also only five points off 10th place in a congested bottom half.

"I am quite happy that there are lots of teams involved, it is going to be one of the most exciting leagues in years," Meulensteen said.

"A good result can get you three or four places up the table, and then a bad one can put you right back in it."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9124733/fulham-manager-rene-meulensteen-is-staying-positive?

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Liverpool in for Fulham starlet Muamer Tankovic? Transfer gossip and rumours from Monday's papers

It's Monday, January 11, which means there are just 11 shopping days left until the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.

But who is still looking for that striker to kick on to the title? Who needs another defender to shore up that dodgy back line? And will David Moyes ever convince anyone to sign for Manchester United?

Read on for all today's news, gossip and rumours from Monday's newspapers and from around the web.

Transfer gossip and news from today's Daily Mirror
Brendan Rodgers has been given the green light to this week make a formal £8million bid for Mohamed Salah.

Click here to read more Liverpool transfer news

Everton are waiting for results of scans on a hamstring injury to giant striker Lacina Traore, before committing to a loan deal for the Ivory Coast star.

Arsene Wenger last night insisted he is still in the market for a striker - even if his injury crisis is getting better.

Norwich face battle with Celtic to keep £6million midfielder Robert Snodgrass.

Bolton boss Dougie Freedman wants Sunderland striker Danny Graham to give his shocked side a major boost.

Other news from the Daily Mirror           
Southampton owner Katharina Liebherr is ready to offer manager Mauricio Pochettino a bumper new contract to ensure he stays at St Mary's.

Blackpool are set to sack boss Paul Ince and make Barry Ferguson player-manager.

In-demand Yohan Cabaye pledges his allegiance to Newcastle as his brace crushes West Ham.

Jack Cork insists Southampton can live without Nicola Cortese but MUST keep boss Mauricio Pochettino.         

Santi Cazorla insists Arsenal are every bit as good as Manchester City – if not better.

Rene Meulensteen knows what it takes to win Premier League titles – and says Arsenal can do it.           

Craig Noone revels in scoring his first Premier League goal having been released by Liverpool as a kid.           

West Brom's new manager Pepe Mel ready to impose quick and attacking football philosophy at the Hawthorns.

Aiden McGeady has insisted he returns from Russia a better player for the experience... if a far poorer one.     

Transfer gossip and rumours from other newspapers and websites

Liverpool watching Fulham's Swedish starlet Muamer Tankovic. (The Sun).

Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye is a £21m target for Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint Germain. (Daily Telegraph)

Arsenal target Alvora Morata has told Real Madrid he wants to stay at the club despite being linked with a move to the Premier League. (Daily Express)

Sunderland striker Danny Graham is wanted on loan by Nottingham Forest (Daily Mail).

Tottenham's Lewis Holtby unlikely to return to Schalke because the German club cannot afford him (Talksport.com).

Stoke and Fulham are locked in a battle for outcast Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton (The Sun).

Swansea City are holding talks with Middlesbrough over Rhys Williams (Sky Sports).   

Fulham want to sign Swansea left-back Neil Taylor and have made a £4m bid. (Times)



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-fulham-starlet-muamer-tankovic-3039954#ixzz2qx9Cd97W
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook

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Grimmer enjoying it here

Fulham youngster wouldn't mind extending his stay

Not only did on-loan defender Jack Grimmer pick up the Man of the Match award on his home debut, he also scored the only goal of the game, but the youngster says he would give up the goal for a clean sheet every time.

He said: "We started the game brightly and from that moment we wanted a clean sheet and that was essential and we are lucky we got the clean sheet - Shukes swings in a wee cross to the near post and I just got my head on it and it goes in.

"Shukes' corner just before that went in near post and it didn't really swing all the way to the back, which was planned I think, so I went for something different and luckily it worked out.

"Although it was my first professional goal, I would give that up, but thankfully we still got three points and a clean sheet – the manager is happy, the players are happy and everyone upstairs at the club are happy.

"It is a special one for me, especially with it being my first home match. I think it was just pay-back for the Manager and Chairman and everyone who worked hard to bring me here.

"I have settled in nicely. Everyone at the club has been a hundred per cent in helping me whenever I have needed any help.

"Everyone right from the manger to the kit man has been brilliant with me and that helps your football. I have learned quite a lot during my short time here and look forward to learning more."

If the Fulham youngster was expecting it to be difficult to bed in and be accepted by the rest of the squad he was in for a pleasant surprise.

He said: "It is not as difficult as you may think, especially with the bunch of lads that are here. They have been very open in accepting the new players coming in that can help the team.

"I think right from the time that I got here, it starts with the captain and works all the way down, and everyone has been very welcoming.

"It is still down to Fulham whether they let me play or not against Brighton. I spoke with the manager during the week and he's kind of hoping that I can play.

"Obviously I am hoping that I can play as well, but it rests with Fulham and hopefully we can find out nearer the time."

Grimmer is only here on a month's loan but he and the Micky Adams have already spoken about the possibility of extending that period, if his parent club were willing to agree.

Grimmer said: "He has asked me my thoughts and he knows straight away that I would be willing to stay, but there are more things to it than that – the decision really lies with Fulham as well because they are my main club.

"But if I got the chance to stay and the opportunity to stay, then I would grab it. I am not getting carried away, it is just one match that has gone very well for me, but if I was given the opportunity I would definitely jump at it."



Read more at http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20140120-grimmer-enjoying-it-here-1304246.aspx?#h8vHvcxod1pAsuZj.99

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Boss aims to banish negativity


Rene Meulensteen is remaining positive

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen is confident his side can avoid any more 'waves of negativity' and stop the rot in their battle to stay in the Barclays Premier League.

The Cottagers went down 2-0 at leaders Arsenal on Saturday when Santi Cazorla fired in two quick second-half goals to break what had been a resolute defensive display.

Meulensteen is determined to find the positives from an overall improved performance following on from a 6-0 capitulation at Hull and last weekend's 4-1 home reverse by Sunderland.

"We are starting to look more solid, and that is our way forward," said the Dutchman.

"It gives confidence to the whole team, a feeling that we are more solid and that it is harder for opponents to break us down.

"We just need to make sure that one goal conceded does not create a ripple effect, which then creates a wave of negativity, we switch off for one split-second and all the hard work is undone."

Meulensteen added: "We focus on improving performances - making sure that we are defensively more solid, because we strongly believe that if we get more clean sheets, that will eventually keep us up.

"We have enough quality to win other games and to create chances to score."

Fulham are just a point above the drop zone, but also only five points off 10th place in a congested bottom half.

"I am quite happy that there are lots of teams involved, it is going to be one of the most exciting leagues in years," Meulensteen said.

"A good result can get you three or four places up the table, and then a bad one can put you right back in it."

Captain Brede Hangeland, now recovered from a back problem which needed surgery, feels Fulham can produce what is needed to pull clear of trouble.

"At times we have struggled with the balance between defence and attack, and as a consequence of that we have played some good games, but got thoroughly beaten even though we played well which is hard to take," he said.

"We need to find that solidity which we did have at times against Arsenal and then spice that up with some good play going forwards."



http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/boss-aims-to-banish-negativity-29931805.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Brede Hangeland lifts the lid on Fulham's problems


Brede Hangeland and Shola Ameobi. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Fulham captain Brede Hangeland, now recovered from a back problem which needed surgery, feels Fulham have struggled to find a defence and attack balance but believes they located it against Arsenal.

The Whites gave the Gunners a scare in the first half but were beaten by two Santi Cazorla goals.

"At times we have struggled with the balance between defence and attack, and as a consequence of that we have played some good games, but got thoroughly beaten even though we played well which is hard to take," he said.

"We need to find that solidity which we did have at times against Arsenal and then spice that up with some good play going forwards."



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/brede_hangeland_lifts_the_lid_on_fulham_s_problems_1_3225084

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham in Lletget's sights
Sebastian Lletget is lining up a first win of 2014 against unbeaten Fulham on Monday night

Sebastian Lletget is aiming to help the Development Squad pick up their first win of 2014 on Monday night when they travel to Motspur Park to play Fulham.

The young Hammers are hoping to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion last time out when they face the team who currently sit top of the Barclays Under-21 Premier League.

The American midfielder felt a break in league fixtures, which stretched over a month, played some part in their defeat to the Baggies.

He told West Ham TV: "Our confidence wasn't at our highest going into the game because the result against Nottingham Forest didn't go as well as we thought. It's out of our heads and now we're looking forward to playing Fulham away.

"I think a couple of us were a bit fatigued because we haven't had a game in a while, which I thought had a lot to do with it. Our chemistry wasn't as good as it usually is but we've been working very hard in training this week for the upcoming game."
Fulham are likely to pose the most difficult challenge of the season so far for Lletget and his teammates as they meet a team who are yet to lose in eleven league matches.

The Cottagers have won four of their last five matches but did suffer a loss in their last outing, a 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal in the U21 Premier League Cup.

Lletget believes the whole squad have put the West Brom defeat behind them and are now ready to do battle on Monday night.
"We don't want to make excuses for any games but for any team it is going to have an effect on their performance. Now that we have a couple of games under our belts we have to make sure we get the win in the next game.
"We're really up for it. I think the whole group has really come together after the West Brom game and Nick has put on some really good sessions for us to get our momentum back. I think we're ready.

"I think this is a big game. They're top so if we get a good win, or even a draw, you have to respect the point because we are playing away. If we can get a win or at least a point then that would be great."

A West Ham win on Monday night would take the Development Squad to within just two points of the Cottagers with ten games left to play.

The 20-year-old say the Hammers are fully focussed on making sure their performance is right rather than worrying about their opponents.

"We don't really think about that too much, we just really concentrate on our performance and how we're going to beat them.
We don't really think about how many games they've won because we haven't done that badly either. We don't think they're that much further ahead of us.

"Football's a lot about momentum so if we do get this win it will be a big boost for us for the rest of the season.

"We're very confident in the sense that we know we can beat anyone if we're on our A-game."

The Under-21s are next is action at home on 31 January when they take on Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green with the game kicking off at 7pm.



http://www.whufc.com/articles/20140120/fulham-in-lletgets-sights_2236884_3625558?