Monday Fulham Stuff (14/04/14)...

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Fulham's Felix Magath warns that more wins are needed for survival
• Fulham boost their chances with win over Norwich
• Norwich's Neil Adams talks of dressing room's sadness


Fulham manager Felix Magath celebrates after his side beat fellow strugglers Norwich City 1-0 at Craven Cottage.
Photograph: Nigel French/PA

Fulham took a huge step towards Premier League survival with a narrow 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Norwich City, who were plunged back into the relegation mire and take little comfort from facing an ominous run-in.

Hugo Rodallega's first-half strike proved decisive and the battle to avoid the drop with one month of the campaign remaining appears to be one that will be fought out between the sides who played out a frantic contest at Craven Cottage.

Elsewhere, Cardiff City gave themselves a glimmer of hope after a 1-0 win at Southampton, while Crystal Palace's home victory over Aston Villa by the same scoreline moved them up to 12th in the table and virtually assured safety for Tony Pulis's side.

For Norwich, the defeat in west London was a bitter pill to swallow. The players slumped to the ground at the final whistle as if it were the last game of the season that condemned them to the Championship and for Neil Adams, who was appointed last weekend following the sacking of Chris Hughton, the task in hand is a daunting one.

Norwich's remaining fixtures are against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, and they have only a two-point lead over Fulham in 18th. After the game, Adams said: "There's a dressing room full of desperately sad people but if we can stick with that level of commitment, yes we've got four very tough games, we'll have a great chance."

His optimism was based on Norwich's performance, which did not merit a defeat. Fulham, however, who could pull off one of the most impressive relegation turnarounds if they can claw their way out of the bottom three, were buoyed by the result. Their manager, Felix Magath, said: "It is a tough situation for Norwich but we have to take care, we have to get our points. Two wins in a row is very nice but it's not enough to stay up. We have to take care that we make more points and do it next week at Tottenham."

Palace secured a crucial win following a late effort from Jason Puncheon, arguably their player of the season, but West Bromwich Albion squandered a glorious opportunity to move clear of the bottom three against Tottenham. Pepe Mel's side took a 3-0 lead over Spurs but had to settle for a 3-3 draw, leaving them one point above Norwich with a game in hand. The bottom club Sunderland lost at home to Everton, who are now fourth.


http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/12/felix-magath-warns-two-wins-is-good-but-not-enough-to-stay-up

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Avoid the nerves and the complacency, and Fulham will be home and dry


Brede Hangeland and David Stockdale celebrate a hugely significant victory for Fulham (Image: AP Photo)

This was no vintage performance but the 1-0 win over Norwich City could well become etched into Fulham's history.

Strong words, you may feel, but if you witnessed the elation in the stands and the relief on the players' faces at the final whistle, you would garner just a taster of how significant this victory was.

It puts us two points behind our opponents who, in the kindest of terms, have a difficult run-in. Ours is certainly more favourable and to surpass them is now a realistic ask.

Yet, with their new manager, Neil Adams, watching on from the sidelines, the Canaries more than matched everything Fulham threw at them.

David Stockdale was called into action with unnerving regularity but was resilient to the last. With each passing game he is strengthening his argument to be included in Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad.

But no, this wasn't a performance in which to savour. We did what was required, of course, with no little help from Stockdale, but we were lacking in many, many areas.

Yet, where we couldn't be faulted was our sheer desire to succeed. Mahamadou Diarra was typically composed, Lewis Holtby typically tenacious and Hugo Rodallega's enthusiasm appeared boundless.

And his goal? Well that was priceless.

We mustn't get complacent, however. At the final whistle, there were jubilant scenes; those more akin to final day euphoria.

It reflected the importance of the three points but we're not over the line yet. If anything, we are still in the back seat. Norwich need to drop points. Preferably, so do Cardiff.

Fulham need to win at least two and, most likely, pick up another point elsewhere.

In our form it's a plausible aim but it's still no mean feat. An improved performance against Tottenham, if not another win, should see us carry the momentum through to our crucial final three games.

We need to shake of the nerves that you could feel in the air at Craven Cottage on Saturday, and put on a face of invincibility.

Because, while the great escape is most definitely on, there are no guarantees at this level. We, most of all, should know that.


http://metro.co.uk/2014/04/13/avoid-the-nerves-and-the-complacency-and-fulham-will-be-home-and-dry-4697534/?

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Fulham a step closer to safety

London - Fulham manager Felix Magath is confident his side can complete the task of avoiding relegation from the Premier League, a feat that appeared to be beyond the London club just a few weeks ago.

A goal from Hugo Rodallega, the Colombia forward, was enough to beat Norwich City -- the club directly above them in the table - 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

That added to last week's win at Aston Villa, where Rodallega also scored the decisive goal, means that although Fulham are still in the bottom three, they are now only two points behind Norwich with four games remaining.

Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion are now three points ahead of them.

"There is still hope," said Magath, the former Bayern Munich manager.

"In the last weeks I was hopeful we would be able to manage the situation and win some games and now we have won two games in a row. It helps us to be confident.

"And now there are more people than four weeks ago who are thinking we will stay in the league. We didn't play so well but there was a lot of pressure on the players. At the moment, three points is the only thing that counts.

"Two wins in a row is very nice but it is not enough to stay up so we have to take care we get more points."

Norwich manager Neil Adams, who replaced the sacked Chris Hughton six days before the Fulham match, knows his side have the toughest run-in of all the teams in relegation danger as they must play leaders Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Adams, who dropped captain Sebastien Bassong while making six changes to the last team Hughton picked, saw his players create a number of clear chances but fail to beat David Stockdale, the Fulham goalkeeper.

The former Norwich midfielder, who was promoted from youth coach, admitted that the fixture list was daunting but felt he had seen enough fight from his players to be confident of picking up points.

"I couldn't ask for any more, I really couldn't," Adams said. "They realise the situation we are in and I thought we got it tactically spot on.

"We dominated for long periods of the game, we had chances and we haven't taken them, which is what ultimately cost us," he added.

"We have a dressing room full of desperately sad people but if we can stick with that level of commitment we will have a great chance and give it a good go.

"We have got four huge games now against four of the best teams in Europe, not just in England, but the main positive thing is what we have just seen. We just needed goals to finish it off."

Fulham's run-in sees them play Tottenham, Hull City and Stoke City before a last-day assignment at home to south London side Crystal Palace.


http://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/EnglishPremiership/Fulham-a-step-closer-to-safety-20140413?

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Eleven Heroes.............
   
Yesterday Fulham made it two wins on the bounce, a rare thing this season, when they beat Norwich City 1-0.

Once again the scorer of the winning goal was Hugo Rodallega who is becoming something of a legend in the making after a barren spell.

Following the win, a victory that narrows the gap between us and safety to two points, Rodallega was always going to get the accolades.

However, Felix Magath supported the theory that Rodallega wasn`t the only hero on the Craven Cottage pitch remarking to the media,

"We are very glad he is in good shape."

"He is a big striker for us."

"But it is not just down to Hugo. It`s the whole team. They all put in a lot of effort. Our goalkeeper David Stockdale made some great saves. And we had a bit of luck. Norwich played really well and had many chances. But we still have to get points to stay up."

Indeed we do, starting at White Hart Lane next week, against Tottenham.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=355927#ixzz2ymi9Vltq

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Important Victory

Sascha Riether hailed the team's resilience as the Whites held on to secure a vital three points at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Hugo Rodallega scored the only goal of the game, as Fulham recorded a second successive victory in their bid for Premier League survival, and a third win from their last five fixtures.

With four games to play, Felix Magath's side are now two points away from safety having closed the gap on opponents Norwich City in the process.

"It was a fantastic result," said Sascha to fulhamfc.com. "Everyone in the ground knew how important the game against Norwich was, in many ways it was make or break. We gave ourselves a much better chance of staying up after the win at Aston Villa, and it was vital that we built on that performance – which we did. We have now taken six points from our last two matches, and as a result, our position in the table is a lot more positive."

Norwich certainly had their moments at the Cottage, where once more, David Stockdale impressed as Fulham's last line of defence. The keeper saved well from Nathan Redmond's early cross-shot, before making two stunning point-blank saves to keep out Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Leroy Fer.

Robert Snodgrass also saw a good chance come and go when Martin Olsson knocked the ball across goal, but instead of rolling the ball in the Canaries' midfielder was denied by a combination of Fernando Amorebieta and Brede Hangeland's bravery.

"There was some courageous defending at times," explained Sascha. "It wasn't an easy three points, but we always knew that we would have to dig in and fight. Norwich needed the points as well, so it was a real battle. They actually played very well at times, and there were definitely a few scares, but thankfully Stocko kept us in the game with some brilliant saves. He's an important player for us, because that's what he does.

"But for us it didn't really matter how we got the points, just as long as we did. Of course, we are very, very happy and hopefully this will be another performance to build on."

For the second week running, a goal from Rodallega has offered Fulham hope. The Colombian, a popular member of the Fulham squad, was a handful from the off and capped an impressive performance with a fine first-time finish.

"Hugo is a great guy and he's really stepped up to the challenge," said Sascha. "He's been taking his chances, and that's something we had possibly been lacking. He's scored two in two, and you can see that he wants even more. He was a real threat against Norwich and he led the line really well. His movement was good and was always there for his teammates. He even played his part at the other end when heading a chance for Norwich off the line. It was one of those games where everyone had to do their bit, though."

The 31-year-old also praised the impact of our supporters who we at their vociferous best down on the banks of the Thames.

"The fans have been magnificent and they're really playing their part," he said. "They were so loud against Aston Villa when there was just three thousand of them. On Saturday, in a packed Craven Cottage, well, they were simply fantastic.

"They really were our twelfth man, and they were right behind us from the very start. We went over to see them at the end and it was great to share that moment with them. With four games to go, we're all hopeful that there will be more to celebrate."

A trip to White Hart Lane follows this Saturday, where Fulham take on Tottenham Hotspur. Playing with renewed vigour and resilience, though, the Whites will be confident of taking something from their visit to North London.

"Every game is important now," added Sascha. "We can't rest on these last two performances because Tottenham are a very good side. They have some great players, and on their day they can be a real threat. But we're playing with confidence now, and that's something we haven't really had this season. We want to win our last four games, and I have the belief that we can do just that. We beat Tottenham at their place last season, so why can't we do it again.

"One of the things we have showed in recent weeks is our resilience. There have been too many times this season where we haven't held on to the position that we have been in. But Norwich threw everything they had at us on Saturday, but we stood firm. That, for me, is a sign of the progress that we have made. I'm sure it was difficult for the fans to watch at the end, and you could feel the relief from the stands when that final whistle went.

"We're in a battle now, but we won't give up. It's important to keep our focus, continue to work hard and take each game as it comes. We have a chance and that's what will drive us through to the end." 


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/april/13/riether-reaction?

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"Survival season" points to big prices for West Brom and Fulham
Don't be surprised when WBA draw with Man City and Fulham beat Spurs

http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Fulham-13-4-14.jpg

Having spent much of the campaign struggling to pass to their own team-mates that time of the year when relegation battlers morph into world-beaters is upon us.

Wigan used to be the flag bearers for "Houdini football", but in their absence some fine escape artists look to be evolving.

Cardiff are the second-worst away side in the Premier League yet travelled to Southampton – who had only lost one home game to a side below them in the table all season – and won.

The Bluebirds may still be 1/4 for relegation with Ladbrokes, but with three points separating them from safety, results like that can be the catalyst for a winning run.

It's Stoke who are next to cross swords with the south Welsh outfit and at 6/4 to win, it seems silly not to back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

Although they couldn't see the job through, West Brom's canter to a 3-0 half-time lead over Tottenham is just another indication that the head-scratching result season is here to stay.

Pepe Mel's side are just three points clear of Fulham in 18th place and, after their 15th draw of the campaign, seem intent on inching to their survival tally one point at a time.

The Baggies have taken a share of the spoils in three of their four away games with the current top six and with a trip to Manchester City next on their agenda; the 6/1 on another stalemate looks too good to turn down.

Under the iron-fisted regime of Felix Magath, Fulham look to have finally found enough stability to launch a survival bid from.

Consecutive wins, the latest a vital three points over free-falling Norwich, put the Cottagers just two points from safety and with Spurs next up three wins on the bounce for the first time this season looks a fantastic price at 6s.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.


http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/survival-season-points-big-prices-west-brom-fulham_193804.html

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Magath's delight at growing confidence

Felix Magath claims his Fulham side's confidence is growing and more people believe they can stay up after the win against Norwich.

The Cottagers' boss watched as Hugo Rodallega's close-range finish in the 40th minute gave his side a 1-0 win against their fellow strugglers and ensured a second consecutive win for only the second time this season, which moves them to within two points of safety with four matches to play. Fulham have a much kinder run-in than the Canaries. A tough trip to Tottenham next is followed by games against Hull, Stoke and Crystal Palace, who are all arguably clear of the relegation places. Magath said: "We have won two games in a row and that helps us be confident - now there are more people who believe we will stay in the league. "Two wins in a row is very nice but it's not enough to stay up in the league so we have to take care to get more points. "If we can we have to do it next week at Tottenham."



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/magaths-delight-at-growing-confidence-1721457.html?

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Riether hails 'courageous defending'
by DAN on APRIL 13, 2014

A delighted Sascha Riether hailed Fulham's durability after the Whites held to record another vital victory over Norwich City to strengthen their survival bid at Craven Cottage yesterday.

The German full-back was a key part of a disciplined defensive effort that saw Felix Magath's men absorb several prolonged periods of pressure from Norwich and move to within two points of safety thanks to Hugo Rodallega's second winner in a week. The momentum provided by back-to-back wins will give Fulham a real boost as they head into a tricky London derby at Tottenham next weekend.

It was a fantastic result. "Everyone in the ground knew how important the game against Norwich was, in many ways it was make or break. We gave ourselves a much better chance of staying up after the win at Aston Villa, and it was vital that we built on that performance – which we did. We have now taken six points from our last two matches, and as a result, our position in the table is a lot more positive.

Riether freely recongised that Fulham had to scrap for the three points with ambitious Norwich, under new manager Neil Adams, pushing forward at every opportunity.

There was some courageous defending at times. It wasn't an easy three points, but we always knew that we would have to dig in and fight. Norwich needed the points as well, so it was a real battle. They actually played very well at times, and there were definitely a few scares, but thankfully Stocko kept us in the game with some brilliant saves. He's an important player for us, because that's what he does.

But for us it didn't really matter how we got the points, just as long as we did. Of course, we are very, very happy and hopefully this will be another performance to build on.

Riether was full of praise for Rodallega's priceless contribution – especially as his dramatic impact on Fulham's season has come after the Colombian has had to be patient under the new manager.

Hugo is a great guy and he's really stepped up to the challenge. He's been taking his chances, and that's something we had possibly been lacking. He's scored two in two, and you can see that he wants even more. He was a real threat against Norwich and he led the line really well. His movement was good and was always there for his teammates. He even played his part at the other end when heading a chance for Norwich off the line. It was one of those games where everyone had to do their bit, though.

The German international was also quick to acknowledge of the importance of a raucous atmosphere at Craven Cottage, similar to the vocal backing that Fulham received on the road at Villa Park last week.

The fans have been magnificent and they're really playing their part. They were so loud against Aston Villa when there was just three thousand of them. On Saturday, in a packed Craven Cottage, well, they were simply fantastic. They really were our twelfth man, and they were right behind us from the very start. We went over to see them at the end and it was great to share that moment with them. With four games to go, we're all hopeful that there will be more to celebrate.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2014/04/riether-hails-courageous-defending/?

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He Conquered & Created: Why This Unsung Hero Could Claw Fulham To PL Safety

Fulham took a huge step towards Premier League safety with a 1-0 victory over relegation rivals Norwich City on Saturday, a goal from Hugo Rodallega leaving Felix Magath's side just two points away from safety.

It was a vital victory for the Cottagers, their second in a row, and, where a fortnight ago Magath's team looked likely to be featured in the 2014-15 Championship previews, their recent run of form has given them a genuine opportunity to retain their place in the Premier League. One man who has been instrumental in this upturn in fortunes is Steve Sidwell; the Fulham central midfielder was, once again, important to his side's victory against relegation rivals Norwich.

Sidwell Heat Map

With a Squawka Performance Score of 22, Sidwell was not the most exciting player on the pitch. However, his contribution to the Fulham performance should not be undermined by this average Score; he was a reliable presence that appeared, on the ball, all over the pitch so as to solidify Fulham's position.

Sidwell Pass Map

In possession, Sidwell was a strong performer. He completed 85% of his passes and helped Fulham to control the right-hand side of the pitch, combining well with Ashkan Dejagah and Sascha Riether to frequently probe Norwich in this area. On top of this, Sidwell provided the assist for Rodallega's winning goal, a contribution which cannot be understated – the 31-year-old gave his side a golden opportunity to continue their late resurgence under Magath.

Giroud Attempted Tackles

Off the ball, the ex-Chelsea midfielder was also strong. He won possession through an excellent six tackles to consolidate Fulham's defensive efforts and help keep a Norwich side, which had the better of the possession, at bay. While he failed to win a header, Sidwell did make an interception and his solid efforts in this area were influential in helping Fulham to just their fifth clean sheet of the season.

While he did not do anything spectacular, Sidwell's performance should not be dismissed. He helped to ensure that his Fulham team retained a solid core and were capable of rebuking Norwich's efforts to penetrate Magath's Cottagers, while simultaneously having contributed to an effective performance in possession.

He is an often understated player, but Sidwell has been important in Fulham's two successive victories and, if the Cottagers are to make an improbable escape from the clutches of relegation, the Englishman will continue to be pivotal.



http://www.squawka.com/news/2014/04/13/he-conquered-created-why-this-unsung-hero-could-claw-fulham-to-pl-safety/2014041396097?

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FC Dallas Academy falls to EPL side Fulham FC in Dr Pepper Dallas Cup opening match

U-18s fall to EPL side Fulham FC in Dr Pepper Dallas Cup opening match

DALLAS - FC Dallas fell to 2013 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup and English Premier Academy League champions Fulham FC 4-0 in their opening match of the 2014 Dr Pepper Dallas Cup Gordon Jago Super Group.

Played at a drizzly Cotton Bowl in downtown Dallas, FCD came out with strong intent, but were beaten in the 11th minute as Fulham forward Moussa Dembele slipped a shot past Homegrown signing Jesse Gonzalez in goal.

Dembele, a 17-year-old forward who started for Fulham in the Barclay's Premier League just two weeks ago, was again on the scoresheet in the 29th minute as the English side earned a penalty kick after a mixup at the back. Dembele easily slotted home from the penalty spot to double the Fulham advantage.

The electrifying youngster completed his hat trick just before halftime as Fulham midfielder Emerson Hyndman, grandson of former FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman, was taken down in the box by Gonzalez. Dembele's chipped penalty gave Fulham a 3-0 lead heading into the locker room, a scoreline that perhaps wasn't indicative of the action in the match.

FCD came out on the front foot in the second half led by forward Santiago Agudelo and nearly found their first goal. The big target forward's header flashed just wide in the 51st minute with midfielder Aaron Meyer nearly finding the back of the net just two minutes later with a shot that flashed past the other post.

With the hometown crowd now in the match, FCD pushed forward and Antonio Aguilar had another strong effort in the 71st minute cutting onto his left foot and firing a shot that Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak did well to hold.

Fulham rounded out the scoring in the 80th minute as midfielder Josh Smile scored the goal of the match, a fantastic effort from outside the box into the side netting, to finalize the 4-0 score.

Luchi Gonzalez's U-18 FC Dallas side continues Dr Pepper Dallas Cup play on Monday afternoon against Brazilians Coritiba FC at 6:00PM at Richland College and admission is free. FCD can still progress to the semi-finals with wins in their final two games and some help from other teams.


http://www.fcdallas.com/news/2014/04/fc-dallas-academy-falls-epl-side-fulham-fc-dr-pepper-dallas-cup-opening-match?

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Felix Magath is winning hearts and minds in Fulham's relegation battle
Fulham manager Felix Magath arrived in England with a reputation for being a dictator but has adapted to the demands of the Premier League


On target: Hugo Rodallega scores the goal that gave Fulham hope – and two days off – against Norwich 
Photo: PA

So much for Saddam Hussein, then. For those not intimately familiar with the work of Felix Magath before he came to England, those horror stories of brutal early morning runs in the snow, of double-weight medicine balls and emptied water bottles, will have established his reputation before he had a chance to make his own. Now, for the second straight week, he has rewarded his winning side with two days off.

It is a luxury that few relegation-threatened managers would even think to offer. But if Fulham's 1-0 win over Norwich on Saturday showed anything, it was that the stomach for the fight is certainly there. Hugo Rodallega's goal proved the difference in a game that Norwich City controlled for large periods.

Few gave Fulham a chance of survival when Magath took over two months ago with a reputation of being the "last dictator in Europe". But little by little, his ideas appear to be gaining traction.

Besides, Magath has always been a more shrewd disciplinarian than many assumed. His aim is not to crush spirit, but to build it.

There is a reason he orders his players to report in at the club's training ground in time for breakfast. They all have to eat together. Lunch, as well. Building a collective ethos at a club who have used 41 different players in the first team this season is some effort.

"We've tried many different ways to come together as a team, and fit together and fight together," Magath said, "and it works better from day to day. We are all close together, and everybody develops as a team. Now I am a manager in England, and you see I have to – was wird wieder 'einpassen'?" " 'Adapt,'  " his translator replied.

"To adapt to here. It not only works how I like it, it works how the people like it. So I have to adapt to the English way of football. Two days off, it's a mental thing."

How Norwich must envy Magath's easy-going manner. They remain two points clear of the relegation zone, but with a fixture list dreamed up by the Marquis de Sade: Liverpool, then Manchester United, then Chelsea, then Arsenal.

This time last weekend, youth team coach Neil Adams was sitting next to Chris Hughton in the dugout for Norwich's 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion. Now he is the man in charge. "Slightly bigger office," he said with a hint of a smile, "but plenty more work."

Adams has no senior management experience, but he is a smart fellow.

Tactically, he is not afraid to make big decisions, and on Saturday he sent his side out in a midfield diamond, dominating possession and creating a number of chances that a striker far better than Ricky van Wolfswinkel would surely have put away.

And yet perhaps the template for Norwich's escape lies in Adams's recent past. Last season, over two legs, he masterminded an unlikely triumph against a well-fancied Chelsea side in the FA Youth Cup final, a victory based on a well-organised defence, high pressing, quick transitions, and lightning counter-attacks.

"You've got to find a way of hurting the opposition," Adams said. "Get a game plan together, pick a formation that can do that. We need big players, big characters."

There is cause for optimism yet. But with only four games remaining, Adams and the Norwich board who appointed him are on a hiding to nothing. If they go down, the decision to sack Hughton will look rash. If they stay up, it will look overdue.
As Magath showed them on Saturday, changing your manager is as much a matter of timing as anything else.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/fulham/10764095/Felix-Magath-is-winning-hearts-and-minds-in-Fulhams-relegation-battle.html

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Fulham building belief

The season run in is going to require strong nerves in the stands and cool heads on the pitch. From the cloth-capped pioneers of Victorian times right through to the modern era, Fulham have spent far too many seasons in their long existence it seems just trying to play catch up. A common grumble heard throughout the decades from club supporters is how allegiance to the Whites of SW6 can take years off a man's life.

For reasons I cannot grasp, your average easy-going follower of football's friendliest club has somehow been cast from the Garden of Eden to wander eternally in the wilderness.

As the sun beat down on the cursed Saturday, we Fulham fans witnessed another in a long line of games watched with hearts in mouth and hands over eyes. Not that it was any easier for the yeomanry parked up in the away end, although they for the majority did arrive expecting to lose.

And true to form, good old Norwich kept to the script of never beating Fulham. But that's not how it looked from a first 45 where David Stockdale pulled off a miraculous save to prevent poor Ricky van Wolfswinkel from ending his goal drought (last and only Norwich goal on day one of the season). The Fulham goal had two more narrow escapes before manager Felix Magath could re-jig his formation to get to grips with the Canaries' five-man midfield, and then from a set-piece the Whites went ahead with what proved to be the match winner.

The manager had kept his faith in Hugo Rodallega and for the second week running his strike will be valued in gold bullion should the Whites stay up. Which after a third win in five now seems ever more feasible. Despite being the better footballing side on the day, Norwich are clearly paying for their lack of punch up front.

Saturday I was surprised at the lack of intensity from the Canaries in the second half when surely they had to really give it a go? Even the mood of their travelling support struck me as somewhat resigned to their fate. They really are in the mire after this latest surrender.

Fulham played poorly yet got the result needed to blast open the relegation issue. It is now all down to the composure shown in the final four games -- of which there was little on display Saturday. Too many men in white showed plenty of heart, but few are playing with their head.

Pajtim Kasami is not a 'head up' footballer and I am amazed successive managers continue to keep faith with him. He's being picked for his bustling approach and eagerness to shoot, but there is no subtlety to his game, no range of passing, tight ball control, running off the ball nor skill factor to unsettle organised defences.

This was also an afternoon when Lewis Holtby was not at the races. And with Ashkan Dejagah again not starting, Fulham created few chances with Rodallega too often isolated up front. Thanks heavens then for the ultra-solid goalkeeper David Stockdale and a sterling shift put in by the back four. We give thanks Norwich arrived with an attack more limp than last month's lettuce -- and the moral of the day was, if you don't concede, you can't lose.

On to the next hurdle: a derby at White Hart Lane. Spurs are not the finished article this season and allow teams to play. A win may be a tall order, but without the services of Holtby, Magath can go 4-5-1 and perhaps play for a point. That would be a huge plus, as long as they can round out our home fixtures with wins over Hull City and Crystal Palace. And 37 points will be enough.

I leave with you with one nagging issue. Surely Dejagah is masking an injury? He came off after 50 minutes at Cardiff five games ago with a muscle strain and has not been risked over 90 minutes since, despite clearly being the in-form player. He is the one Fulham forward who currently gives you what all managers crave: pace and power. Start waving that lucky heather and hope we see him fit for the final four nerve-shredding games.

Now where did I leave those worry beads...

twitter@fulhamphil


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Fulham's Kieran Richardson insists their season is already a failure despite Norwich win
KIERAN RICHARDSON knocked the wind out of Fulham's sails by admitting even survival won't have him celebrating about the season.


NOT GOOD ENOUGH: Richardson says even if Fulham complete the Great Escape the season it will be a wasted campaign
[GETTY]

Richardson's blunt reality check came just moments after Fulham clinched a priceless win against relegation rivals Norwich and their escape bid gathered momentum.

The three points were so vital Fulham celebrated like they had won the World Cup.

But Richardson said: "To be honest with you, even if we stay up it has still - for me - been a bad season.

"We shouldn't really be down there so even if we stay up it has still been a bad season for Fulham.

"I know it's great for us to stay up but with the players we have and the manager we have we shouldn't be in this predicament.

"So hopefully if we stay up we can move on next season as a club."

Thanks to Hugo Rodallega's second successive winner there is genuine hope Fulham will stay in the Premier League.

The Colombian's sweet first-half strike from Lewis Holtby's free-kick sparked wild scenes at full-time on the pitch and in the stands.

In fairness third-bottom Fulham' joy was more down to pure relief than anything else and it was hard to blame them.


HOT ROD: Fulham striker Hugo Rodallega scores the only goal at Craven Cottage
[REUTERS]

A couple of weeks ago they looked dead and buried. And this game was pivotal for both sides, especially Norwich who face a huge task to get any points from their last four games against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Fulham now have more than a fighting chance of survival after moving to within two points of fourth-bottom Norwich and safety.

Richardson, part of West Brom's 2005 'Great Escape' side, said: "We've always been together but the results are so big now that when you get the results it feels like you've won the World Cup.

"It's a massive relief for us. I don't want to have relegation on my resume. I don't want to play in the Championship.

"We don't want to be there so when we are out there we are fighting for our lives and showing that."

Nobody sums up Fulham's recent turnaround in fortunes better than Rodallega who followed up his winner against Aston Villa by repeating the trick on Saturday.

He fell out of favour under old boss Martin Jol and was reduced to tears after being subbed during a rare run-out under his replacement Rene Meulensteen against Sheffield United.

Now he has gone from zero to hero by bursting back onto the scene under Felix Magath to revive Fulham's hopes.

Rodallega, whose last day goal at Stoke kept Wigan up in 2011, said: "I thought I might have to leave. When you don't play for a long time, five or six games, it is difficult when you are a striker.

"This is my opportunity. I have waited for a long time to play and now I am happy. I am going to enjoy every moment."

Norwich deserved a point after being denied by two brilliant David Stockdale saves and the crossbar from Robert Snodgrass's free-kick.

But it wouldn't be any surprise if they've swapped places with Fulham by the end of the season.

By agreeing to succeed the sacked Chris Hughton ex-youth team boss Neil Adams has taken on a daunting challenge few expect to end well.

Optimistic Adams said: "The one thing I can pass to the players and the players have thought about themselves is that we have beaten big teams.

"I have played in games where we have beaten big teams at Carrow Road and I have seen games where Norwich have turned over the form book.

"One or two of the big teams will confirm that. That is the challenge we have got now.

"Four massive games and we go out in every one with the same desire we had against Fulham and hopefully that will give us the points that I feel we deserved."

FULHAM: Stockdale 8; Heitinga 8, Hangeland 8, Amorebieta 7: Diarra 7 (Kvist 85); Riether 7, Sidwell 6, Holtby 7 (Parker 69, 6), Richardson 6; Kasami 6 (Dejagah 57, 7), RODALLEGA 8. Subs: Stekelenburg, Riise, Roberts, Bent

Up next: Tottenham (a) Premier League, Saturday

NORWICH: Ruddy 6; Whittaker 6, Martin 6, Turner 6, Olsson 6; Johnson 6; Fer 6 (Hoolahan 68, 5), SNODGRASS 6, Howson 5 (Murphy 79); Redmond 6, Van Wolfswinkel 4 (Hooper 60, 6). Subs: Bunn, Garrido, Bennett, Tettey.

Up next: Liverpool (h) Premier League, Sunday

Referee: Mike Dean 8

Star man: Hugo Rodallega - Big contributions at both ends

Star shocker: Ricky Van Wolfswinkel - Waste of money


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/374215/Fulham-s-Kieran-Richardson-insists-their-season-is-already-a-failure-despite-Norwich-win

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Rodallega admits Fulham future was in doubt

Colombian worried his days were numbered before his recent return to the fold at Craven Cottage


Match-winner: Hugo Rodallega is back in favour at Fulham

Hugo Rodallega thought his days at Craven Cottage were numbered - now the frontman is spearheading Fulham's survival charge.

The Colombian striker has come in from the cold to fire Felix Magath's side to within touching distance of safety following a frustrating start to the season under Martin Jol and Rene Meulensteen.

Rodallega was handed just his third Premier League start of the season by Magath against Norwich on Saturday, and repaid his boss with the vital winner for the second week running.

It was a far cry from the moment the distraught striker was caught sobbing on camera after being substituted in the shock FA Cup defeat against Sheffield United back in February.


Ecstasy: Fulham's Hugo Rodallega is enjoying life at the Cottage again

"I tried to forget about that game," said Rodallega. "I had an injury and tried to forget this disappointment. That was a bad moment for me.

"Yes [I thought I may have to leave], when you haven't been playing for five or six games after the West Brom game it's difficult. I felt bad.

"At the moment I feel very good because when I have this opportunity I've played very well. Everybody in the team is pushing me, and that's very important."


Opener: Hugo Rodagella puts Fulham 1-0 up against Norwich

Fulham closed the gap on the Canaries to just two point following Rodallega's first-half strike as their survival bid was given another huge boost.

Rodallega added: "I feel happy, not just me but everyone, because when you win it's very important for the team in this situation.

"This [goal] is important. I want Fulham to stay up and will try and score the goals. This is my opportunity. I have been waiting a long time to play in the starting XI and now I'm happy I'm going to enjoy every minute."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rodallega-admits-fulham-future-doubt-6983920?

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Felix Magath can rest assured as Cottagers show they have the stomach for the fight

FETED taskmaster Felix Magath has given his Fulham players an unprecedented second two-day holiday following this vital win - because that is precisely what players in England expect.

"Last week they played very well at Aston Villa so I gave them two days," said Magarth. "This week we did not play so well but we earned this result, these three points. So that is why the boys have two days off again like last week.

"Now I am a manager in England and I have to adapt to here. It doesn't always work how I like it, it works how the people like it."

While Saturday showed even a dog as old as Magath - 60 years, six Bundesligas, a European Cup and two World Cup finals - can learn a new trick, the worrying thing for Norwich's young pup manager Neil Adams is that his first trick failed to pay off.

Adams' ploy was to leave skipper Sebastien Bassong out of the matchday squad altogether and while the defender took the news well, ultimately the failure of a new-look back four to keep a clean sheet meant Norwich sunk even further towards the relegation zone.

"Seb is a fantastic player," said Adams. "He is the team captain and still is, so there is no agenda there. I told Seb I will need him - he is a big part of this team.

"Seb was in the changing room with the rest of the players wishing the lads all the best. He wants it as much as any of us."

Now the decision of the Norwich board to dispense with Chris Hughton's experience just for the final five games looks even more barking because enthusiasm from the manager in the relegation six-pointer at Craven Cottage was not enough.

Brendan Rodgers, David Moyes, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger will be Adams' final four opponents of the season - matches that represents more of a done-in, than a run-in.

In a relegation dogfight, you would think, only a fool would bet against the wolf? But on Saturday Norwich's Ricky van Wolfswinkel once again showed himself to be completely toothless.

The key moment came in the 28th minute, when he met Martin Olsson's cross with a volley, centre of goal. David Stockdale's save was impressive - but should he have been able even to reach it?

And when Norwich had 30 minutes to score twice to save their season, it was the £10m record signing that was hauled off.

Van Wolfswinkel has done nothing since scoring on the opening day of the season and, with four games to go, nothing suggests that will change.

Hugo Rodallega's story, on the other hand, could not be more different. Signed for nothing and scarcely given a chance for most of the season, his 40th minute strike means he has now scored the winner two weeks in a row.

"This is my opportunity," he said. "I have waited for a long time to play and now I am happy. I am going to enjoy every moment.

"The manager told me during the second half at Villa: 'You're coming on.' And I felt: 'Oh my goodness, this is my chance. I've got to score!'

"And I did, to get three very important points. Now I have done the same."

Rodallega is an unlikely hero. Having considered a move in January, he sat on the bench for several minutes with his coat over his head after his substitution against Sheffield United was cheered by the Fulham fans. He now admits he feared his career at Craven Cottage was over.

"Yes, I thought I might have to leave," he said. "I try to forget that time because when I played against Sheffield United, I remember I had an injury. So I tried to forget it. It was a bad moment for me.

"But at the moment I feel very good because when I have this opportunity, I play well. The team is supporting me, everybody on the training ground is pushing me and it's very important."

FULHAM (3-1-4-2): Stockdale 8; Heitinga 8, Hangeland 7, Amorebieta 7; Diarra 6 (Kvist 84); Riether 5, Sidwell 7, Holtby 5 (Parker 69, 6), Richardson 6; Kasami 6 (Dejagah 58,6), Rodallega 8. Booked: Kasami. Goal: Rodallega 40.

NORWICH (4-2-3-1): Ruddy 6; Whittaker 6, Martin 6, Turner 7, Olsson 7; Johnson 7, Fer 6 (Hoolahan 69, 6); Redmond 6, Howson 7 (Murphy 79, 5), Snodgrass 6; van Wolfswinkel 5 (Hooper 60, 6). Booked: Fer, Whittaker, Snodgrass.

REFEREE: M Dean (Wirral)

NEXT UP: Fulham - Sat: Tottenham (a) league. Norwich - Sun: Liverpool (h) league.



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/470218/Felix-Magath-can-rest-assured-as-Cottagers-show-they-have-the-stomach-for-the-fight

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Magath Eyes Bundesliga Raid
   
Two wins on the trot allied with a tasty looking trip to White Hart Lane this weekend and Fulham supporters are starting to believe the great escape can be realized.

Felix Magath`s belief that survival has always been possible is now starting to look more than an idle boast and, looking ahead to next season, Magath has, according to the media, identified two targets he believes will make us a better outfit next season.

The two players in question are both Bundesliga based, the first being the experienced thirty-one year-old Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Alex Meierm whilst the second is the young twenty-one year old Wolfsburg defender Ricardo Rodriguez

It`ll be interesting to see if either can be tempted by life at Craven Cottage.

We`ll endeavour to keep you informed.


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=355989#ixzz2ysHcxOmr

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Striker targets Cottagers safety goals

Hugo Rodallega has vowed to make the most of his fresh chance at Fulham and score the goals that will keep them in the Premier League.

The Colombian striker looked like his days at Craven Cottage would peter out this season as he struggled to force his way into the plans of both Martin Jol and Rene Meulensteen during their respective spells in charge. Rodallega appeared to hit rock bottom with the club when he was caught on camera virtually in tears after being substituted following a lacklustre display in their FA Cup home defeat to Sheffield United in February. But the former Wigan man has seemingly returned to form at just the right time as he followed up his winner at Aston Villa with the only goal of the game as the Cottagers defeated Norwich 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday to move within two points of safety. It was only Rodallega's third Premier League start of the season and he is looking to repay boss Felix Magath's faith in him with more vital goals between now and the end of the campaign. He said: "At the moment I feel very good because when I have this opportunity I've played very well. Everybody in the team is pushing me, and that's very important." Rodallega added: "I feel happy, not just me but everyone, because when you win it's very important for the team in this situation. "This [goal] is important. I want Fulham to stay up and will try and score the goals. This is my opportunity. I have been waiting a long time to play in the starting XI and now I'm happy. I'm going to enjoy every minute."



Read more at: http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/striker-targets-cottagers-safety-goals-1721535.html?

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Four of the Best!
   
As we reflect on a much-needed win over a Norwich side who, admittedly, deserved more than what they got, we`ve a few statistics for you to mull over in relation to the game.

1 - Fulham have now won 6 and drawn 2 of the last 8 Premier League games played against Norwich - can we play them every week?

2 - Norwich must dread coming to Craven Cottage having suffered 4 defeats in 4 Premier League visits - can we play them every week?

3 - Our goal, scored by Hugo Rodallega, was our only shot on target during the first forty-five minutes.

4 - Despite wasting numerous good opportunities to take the lead whilst also being thwarted by some fine work by David Stockdale, Norwich didn`t have a shot on target after the fifty-third minutes.

COYW`s


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=356005#ixzz2ysIhvibT

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Lewis Holtby admits he wants Fulham to defeat Tottenham

Lewis Holtby wants Fulham to defeat Tottenham at the weekend even though he still belongs to the north London club.

Holtby will return to White Hart Lane at the end of the season after joining Fulham on loan in January and the terms of the deal mean he cannot play in Saturday's fixture.

The 23-year-old midfielder still believes he can build a successful career at Spurs but for now, he is concentrating on helping Fulham survive. With Felix Magath's team two points adrift of safety, Holtby would be happy to see Tottenham lose at White Hart Lane on Saturday if it means Fulham stay up.

"It's a tough game for me, because I'm on loan from Tottenham but Fulham need the three points more at the moment to stay up," he said. "I signed a long contract at Spurs and I was hoping to have a long future at the club. I still believe in my quality and that I can play for Tottenham.

"I was desperate to have some games. I hate being on the bench. I love being on the pitch and expressing myself and Fulham have given me the chance to play high-quality football in the Premier League.

"Every game is exciting now and we believe we can win all four of those that remain. For example, we play Stoke on May 3 and they are essentially safe, so maybe they won't be that tense."

Current Spurs head coach Tim Sherwood is not believed to rate Holtby highly but as he is to leave at the end of the season, Holtby is watching the situation closely. Holland coach Louis van Gaal has supporters in the Spurs boardroom.

Holtby added on talkSPORT: "I think he would be able to adjust. He's proved in the Dutch league, the Spanish league and the German league that he's a top manager. You can see his influence in the way the current Bayern Munich team play."


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/lewis-holtby-admits-he-wants-fulham-to-defeat-tottenham-9258506.html

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Marseille want Fulham target

Marseille are ready to compete with Fulham and Milan for goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa from Ajaccio.

Marseille are looking for a long term replacement for number one Steve Mandanda who is expected to leave the Stade Velodrome in the summer at the end of his contract.

Ochoa, 28, has been in good form this season for his club despite them sitting bottom of Ligue One.

With interest coming from Milan and Fulham, Ochoa has his pick of where he wants to play next season.

According to an interview in Canal Plus, Ochoa's priority is to remain in France and admits to enjoying life in Ligue One. While Fulham and Milan both showan interest, Marseille and Ochoa's agent are already in talks about a summer move, although the player says it is too early to reveal anything official.

Meanwhile, Marseille's current goalkeeper Mandanda is just one of a number of players expected to leave the club in the summer as a new coach in the south of France bids to improve on a woeful season.


http://www.footballdirectnews.com/premier-league-news/46373-marseille-want-fulham-target.php#.U0v-ycYcKbA