Saturday Fulham Stuff (23/12/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Has Slavisa Jokanovic just poured cold water on Tottenham's hopes of signing Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon?

The Fulham youngster has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in January.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic spoke to reporters during his pre-match press conference, and fielded questions regarding the future of Cottagers starlet Ryan Sessegnon, following rumours linking him with a switch to Spurs, as quoted by popular football news website Football.London.

The 17-year-old is one of Europe's most highly coveted young players, with many of England's biggest clubs showing an interest in signing him.

Tottenham are thought to be one of those clubs, according to the Telegraph, with Mauricio Pochettino keen on bringing the teenager to the club, what with Dany Rose's future in north London being far from certain.

Sessegnon has played in all of Fulham's 22 Championship games this season, scoring four goals an chipping in with two assists from left-back.

He can also play further up the pitch in a more advanced left-wing role - something that surely appeals to Pochettino.

The Argentine might just have to be patient in his pursuit of the talented 17-year-old, however, following Jokanovic's comments.

The 49-year-old told reporters how he wants to keep all of his best players, as quoted by Football.London:

"If we want to be competitive we must keep our important players. All the questions are what the value of this player is, but myself, as a coach, I prefer to stay with the more important players for the competition that is ahead of us, but on the other side I can understand the business side too. In this moment, I am not thinking of being without him for the season, but it is not under my control."

With the opening of the January transfer window just around the corner, though, this will still be one for both Fulham and Tottenham fans to keep a close eye on.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/12/22/has-slavisa-jokanovic-just-poured-cold-water-on-tottenhams-hopes/

[WhiteJC]

 
Results

Friday
Norwich	1 - 2	Brentford

[WhiteJC]

 
'Not under my control' – Manager breaks silence on future of dazzler after £25m Tottenham bid rejected

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has broken his silence on the future of young star Ryan Sessegnon, failing to rule out a Craven Cottage exit for the long-term Tottenham target.

Rumours have been gaining pace about a Premier League move for 17-year-old left-back Sessegnon, who has emerged as a real talent for the west London side.

As previously reported by the Telegraph, Spurs had a £25million bid for the flyer rejected in August, and speculation has been rife about a return bid for Sessegnon in January.

Premier League rivals Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the youngster, who signed a new three-year contract with the Cottagers in the summer.

Sessegnon has been a mainstay for Fulham this season, appearing in every single one of their Championship matches so far, scoring four goals.

He became the first 17-year-old since Dele Alli to score a hat-trick in English league football when he netted a treble against Sheffield United in November.

Fulham boss Jokanovic has now finally spoken out about Sessegnon's future, saying he is confident he will stay, but also failing to rule out an exit for the starlet.

As quoted by Get West London, he said: "Yes [I am confident of keeping Sessegnon], if we want to be competitive we must keep our important players.

"All the questions are what the value of this player is, but myself, as a coach, I prefer to stay with the more important players for the competition that is ahead of us, but on the other side I can understand the business side too.

"In this moment, I am not thinking of being without him for the season, but it is not under my control."



https://www.footballinsider247.com/i-can-understand-business-manager-breaks-silence-long-term-tottenham-target/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic on play-off aspirations and the only team that 'destroyed' the Cottagers

Jokanovic says the club must live in the present and do everything to make a positive step

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has said that Wolves are the only team that were "in some way completely better than my team'.

Fulham currently lie in 12th and host Barnsley at Craven Cottage this weekend.

The Serb did acknowledge the challenges the Championship brings and it's competitiveness from top to bottom.



He said: "All the games in the Championship are tough games, this is where we start talking and if we play against a top team, or bottom team there aren't many differences.

"After 22 games, the only team who in some way destroyed us, or in some way were completely better than my team was Wolves.

"The Barnsley game is a chance to try and show more confidence, more quality and be competitive and push altogether to win the game.

"They aren't at an especially good level but it's a team who are organised, who work in the great distance between lines and they are players and a team who can be dangerous for us if we aren't at our highest level."



Jokanovic also said that he is no longer thinking about the play-off targets the Cottagers set themselves at the start of the season.

He said: "I am not thinking now about targets, we started the season very clear: talking about being promoted and being in the top six.

"After half the season, we didn't show enough improvement when we compare the season behind of us but for another side it's a different situation, different year, different players, different characteristics of the players, we try find a little bit different, similar, but style with brief difference for last season.

"Now it's talking about end of the season, it's not necessary for us.

"What we must do is live in the present - the present is Barnsley and we will do everything to make a positive step.

"At the end we will have many up and downs this season but I expect we will be in more time at the highest level than what we are at the moment."




http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-play-14071346

[WhiteJC]

 
PREVIEW: Fulham Vs Barnsley

Next up for the Reds is a trip to Craven Cottage.

FULHAM'S FORM
After an up and down start to the 2017/18 season, the Cottagers began to find a level of consistency in November, with victories over Sheffield United, Millwall and Birmingham City as well as gaining a valuable point against in-form Derby County.

However, a 3-1 defeat against neighbours Fulham rocked the boat, as did last weekend's loss away at Sunderland, with Fulham becoming the first side to lose at the Stadium of Light in over a year.

After recording seven wins, eight draws and seven defeats so far, the Cottagers sit 12th in the Sky Bet Championship table, scoring 27 goals and conceding 28.

Similar to last weekend's hosts, Brentford, Saturday's opponents Fulham are a difficult side to beat on their own turf, losing just twice in their 11 fixtures at Craven Cottage.

FULHAM'S BOSS
The cottagers manager is Slavisa Jokanovic. The 49-year-old Serbian was a successful midfielder in his playing days, playing for the likes of Partizan Belgrade, Tenerife, Deportivo and Chelsea whilst representing his national team on 64 occasions.

His managerial career started at Partizan where led the Belgrade club to a league and cup double in back-to-back seasons before leaving the club by mutual consent in September of 2009.

After choosing to take some time out of football, he returned to management in February of 2012, surprisingly appointed as manager of Thailand club, Muangthong United. In his one year in charge, he led them to the title, going unbeaten all season.

In July of 2013 he was appointed as manager at Levski Sofia of Bulgaria. After poor results initially, he was relieved of his duties in October.

After a short spell in caretaker charge of Spanish side Heracles, Jokanovic arrived in England, taking up the reins at Watford.

He guided the Hornets to the Premier League in the 2014/15 campaign, finishing runners-up in the Championship before getting moved on in June of 2015 after failing to agree to a new contract.

A six-month spell with Maccabi Tel-Aviv followed, where he guided them into the group stages of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over a decade, but was soon back in the Championship with Fulham, appointed in December of 2015.

He led Fulham to the Championship Play-Offs last season, and will be hoping to go one step further this time around.

FULHAM'S PLAYERS
The West London club have a reputation for their attacking brand of football and thus they've always a handful of really eye-catching forward players. This year is no different, with the likes of Brazilian playmaker, Lucas Piazon a big threat in Jokanovic's squad.

Tom Cairney is the driving force from midfield. Captain at Craven Cottage, the former Hull City man is one of the leading players in the division in terms of goals and assists.

Both Fulham full-backs operate more as attacking wingers. Ryan Fredericks is blessed with extreme pace on the right, whilst teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon is having a superb breakthrough season.

Experienced Czech international, Tomas Kalas is the rock in Fulham's rearguard, whilst 'keeper David Button has pushed his case in the past for international recognition with England.

FULHAM DIRECTIONS
At the end of the M1, turn right (west) onto the A406 (North Circular) and follow it towards Harrow for nearly 4.5 miles. Turn left (east) onto the A40 heading into London (passing close to Loftus Road and after a little over 4 miles turn right (west) onto the A402 for just about 350 yards. Here you turn left (south) along the A219 for a little over half a mile. This brings you into Hammersmith where you turn right onto the A315 and then after just 130 yards or so turn left (south) back onto the A219. Follow this road for a little over a mile, and Craven Cottage is just down the side street off to your right.



https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2017/december/fulham-preview/

[WhiteJC]

 
Sky Bet Poppy Auction

Poppy shirts worn by Fulham players in our games against Wolves and Derby County are going under the hammer as part of the Sky Bet Poppy Auction.

The auction of signed memorabilia from across the EFL's 72 member clubs is raising money for The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.

36 Whites shirts, from the Sky Bet Championship fixtures on 3rd and 18th November, are being auctioned on the CharityStars website.

Fulham were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Derby, as a powerful Oliver Norwood free-kick in the 30th minute was nullified by a Matej Vydra strike just after half-time, which saw both sides grab a share of the spoils.

Sky Bet's relationship with the British Legion now spans four seasons, with over £300,000 raised, thanks the help of fans and clubs throughout the EFL.

Sky Bet spokesman Sandro Di Michele said: "The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal is a cause we've worked closely with for nearly four years and we're always impressed by the swell of support we see from EFL clubs and their fans.

"To be in a position where we can raise a huge amount of money for such a worthwhile cause and pay our respects to those who have served our country is an honour."

The Royal British Legion's Ben France said: "We're grateful to Sky Bet for supporting the Legion through the shirt auctions and to the football league community who each year dig deep and donate to the Poppy Appeal.

"The Legion's work is made possible thanks to the public's generous support and the money raised from the auction will help us provide support to the Armed Forces community wherever it's needed."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/december/22/sky-bet-poppy-auction

[WhiteJC]

 
Back In Business

It was April last term when Marcus Bettinelli broke back into Fulham's starting XI. He went on to play a major part in the Whites' march to the Play-Offs.

Now recalled for the spot between the sticks in recent weeks at the expense of David Button, Bettinelli is hoping for a repeat performance of last year's top-six push.

"It has been really frustrating, I can't lie," Marcus tells the official matchday programme for Saturday's visit of Barnsley. "There were times I'd go home after games thinking I was going to get a chance soon, but it didn't come.

"The gaffer's door is always open for people to go and talk to him but I'm never going to be the guy demanding to play. That's never been me and I don't think that ever will be me. I've waited for my chance and I've done well in training - that's all I could do."

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

Other highlights from the publication include:

    Chairman Shahid Khan looks ahead to a prosperous second half of the season
    Slaviša Jokanović, Tom Cairney and Gordon Davies pen their latest columns
    Kevin Betsy recalls his playing spells at Fulham and Barnsley
    Ibrahima Cisse takes our nine-dart challenge
    Erik Nevland talks us through a picture from his Fulham days
    And Jeff Eckhardt picks his Fulham Dream Team

Priced £3.50, the 100-page publication is available from various sellers on Stevenage Road from two hours before kick-off. Or order it online from ProgrammeMaster where you can also purchase past editions and take out a half-season subscription.

For just £1.99, the programme is also available as a digital download on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC or Mac via Pocketmags from 1am on Saturday morning.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/december/22/marcus-bettinelli-barnsley-programme

[WhiteJC]

 
Barnsley In Focus

Get up to date with all the latest team, ticket, weather and betting news ahead of Fulham's meeting with Barnsley at Craven Cottage.


Possible opposition absentees

Ryan Hedges - thigh injury

Lloyd Isgrove - knee injury

Matthew Pearson - calf injury

Cameron McGeehan - ankle injury
Tickets

Tickets are priced from just £20 for adults and £10 for juniors when bought in advance.
Weather

A cloud but dry day in SW6 will see temperatures at a reasonable 10 degrees at kick-off.
Bishop's Park Access

Supporters are advised that access to and from Craven Cottage through Bishop's Park will be restricted due to an event taking place at All Saints Church.
Pre-match

Fans can pick up a pint of Carlsberg or Somersby for £3.50 (usually £4.80) up until 2pm in the Hammersmith, Riverside and Johnny Haynes Stands.
He said...

"It's a long way to go but we've planned for this busy period. It's another tough game for us down in London. They're a good side, we know how they're going to play. It's a nice place to go but it's going to be a real tough game, one we've got to enjoy working hard without the ball, enjoy passing the ball, keeping it from them. They've got [talented players] all over, and on the bench, and probably in the stand. They're trying to create a team that will take them back up to the Premier League, and I think they'll continue doing that." – Paul Heckingbottom, Barnsley head coach.
Live stream

Overseas subscribers to fulhamfctv will be able to watch a live stream of this game. Follow this link for all available packages, and head to www.fulhamfc.com/live from 2.30pm (GMT) to view. New overseas fans can also take advantage of our special festive bundle which includes four games for just £20!
Grosvenor Casinos match odds

Fulham: 11/20

Draw: 16/5

Barnsley: 9/2
Previous five results

Brentford 0-0 Barnsley (Sky Bet Championship)

Barnsley 0-3 Derby County (Sky Bet Championship)

Bolton Wanderers 3-1 Barnsley (Sky Bet Championship)

Reading 3-0 Barnsley (Sky Bet Championship)

Barnsley 0-2 Leeds United (Sky Bet Championship)



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/december/22/barnsley-in-focus

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United prepare £25m bid for Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon
• Real Madrid and Tottenham also interested in 17-year-old defender
• United prepared to allow Luke Shaw to leave Old Trafford


Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon finished as joint top scorer at the European Under-19 Championship in June. Photograph: Garcia/BPI/REX/Shutterstock

Manchester United are preparing an opening offer of initial £25m for Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon, with José Mourinho prepared to allow Luke Shaw to leave Old Trafford in order to sign the England youth international.

Sessegnon, 17, who finished as joint-top scorer at the European Under-19 Championship in June with three goals, has been tracked by United's scouts for some time and has also attracted interest from Tottenham and Real Madrid. The European champions have watched the defender on several occasions this season and are understood to be monitoring his situation, while Spurs had a bid potentially worth more than £20m with add-ons rejected in the summer.

Despite usually operating as a left-back, Sessegnon is also capable of operating further up the field and has gained a reputation as one of English football's brightest attacking talents. He became the became the first 17-year-old to score a hat-trick in the top four divisions of English football since Dele Alli when he inspired Fulham's 5-4 victory over Sheffield United in November.

Fulham have indicated that it would take a bid in excess of £30m to tempt them into selling their prized asset, with manager Slavisa Jokanovic admitting on Thursday that he is unsure whether Sessegnon will remain at Craven Cottage.

"In this moment, I am not thinking of being without him for the season, but it is not under my control," he said.

"All the questions are what the value of this player is, but myself, as a coach, I prefer to stay with the more important players for the competition that is ahead of us, but on the other side I can understand the business side too. If we want to be competitive we must keep our important players."

Should United have a bid accepted, Tottenham are expected to renew their approach but have also enquired about Shaw, who has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford under Mourinho. The 22-year-old has played just 328 minutes in the Premier League so far this season having joined United from Southampton in 2014 for £30m, although any move for Sessegnon is not believed to be contingent on him leaving.

Tottenham are also interested in signing Sessegnon's twin brother, Steven, who also plays for Fulham and starred for England's Under-17s in their World Cup victory earlier this year. Along with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, Mauricio Pochettino also retains an interest in Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha but Crystal Palace are adamant that the £50m-rated forward will not be sold in January.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/dec/22/manchester-united-ryan-sessegnon-prepare-bid-fulham

[WhiteJC]

 
Transfer Talk: Manchester United in £25m move for Ryan Sessegnon, Real Madrid also interested

The 17-year-old and his twin have been subject to plenty of speculation in the run up to the January Transfer Window

Manchester United are preparing to launch an opening bid of £25m to lure Ryan Sessegnon away from Fulham according to The Guardian .

It is reported that Jose Mourinho is prepared to let Luke Shaw leave Old Trafford in order to make the signing.

Sessengnon, who has scored four goals in 22 appearances this season and was joint top scorer in the European Under-19 Championship this, is also being monitored by Real Madrid.


Steven Sessegnon of England and Paulinho of Brazil (Image: Tom Dulat - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The World Champions have watched the youngster a number of times while Tottenham are expected to make an approach if United have a bid accepted.

Spurs who had a bid rejected during the summer, are also thought to have enquired about Shaw however.

It is believed it would take a £30m+ bid to tempt the Cottagers into selling their prized asset.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/transfer-talk-manchester-united-25m-14074028

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss vents goalscoring frustrations but Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon could be the solution

The Brazilian has been out since breaking his leg in the Cottagers draw with Leeds in August but has recently returned to training

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has vented his frustration at his side not turning opportunities into 'dangerous situations'.

Despite dominating possession against Sunderland last weekend, the London side fell to a 1-0 defeat and produced half as many shots on target as the Black Cats and less shots overall.

The Serbian manager noted that his side were not just missing the shots they had but failing to be threatening in the last third.

The former Maccabi Tel Aviv manager said: "I don't know how many times we are in the box and how many times we bring the ball into the last third and cross in the six yard box without anybody touching the ball

"This is not a shot but it is still a situation that we miss, not only against Sunderland but we take nine corners and ten against Birmingham and we didn't create many dangers, so we don't create any dangerous situations.

"For another side we try find some solution in short corners or bring a little bit different - our delivery of the ball is correct - but we are not dangerous and we always suffer after this situation in offensive transition.

"Now when we are talking about so many things, we have created many things for score more goals, for shoot more times and for be less time in our box.

"When we arrive in final box, we need to be more concentrated and show quality in this situation and finish the action and don't offer the people so much space like we offer in last few games."

Lucas Piazon is in his second week working back with the squad and has a chance of being involved against Barnsley on Saturday.

He scored the equaliser in a 40 minute cameo against Reading before getting injured in the following match against Leeds United.


Celebration: Lucas Piazon scores against Reading (Image: Harry Hubbard/Getty Images)

Jokanovic said that the 23-year-old - who he signed on loan for a second season - could help Fulham find what they've been lacking in front of goal

He said: "Yes, perhaps, Piazon shows us in the past that he can be really useful player for us. It's not question about only one player where we are talking about one guy solving all this problems, we can talk about strikers to solve this.

"For another side, Lucas Piazon, after hard time behind of him, shows he is comfortable on the pitch, we must check him too for when he starts compete but he shows great spirit and ambition and desire to get back as early as possible to be part of the team."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/fulham-boss-vents-goalscoring-frustrations-14073404

[WhiteJC]

 
English wonderkid to snub Tottenham, Real Madrid to join Manchester United

Fulham left-back Ryan Sessegnon has turned into one of the hottest prospects in world football. And at just 17-years old, he's already garnering attention for the elite of Europe.

The Guardian reports that Manchester United are set to beat out Tottenham and Real Madrid for Ryan Sessegnon. An initial bid of £25m will be made in January, but Fulham are wanting at least £30m to let their prized player leave.



The website reported that Luke Shaw could be shown the exit door should the move for his compatriot materialize. Shaw has struggled to find his form and fitness ever since his leg break he suffered in the 2015 Champions League group stages.

Jose Mourinho is apparently ready to let Shaw pursue other teams and Sessegnon is a fantastic replacement.

The 17-year old is a mainstay of the Fulham team already. And along with being a stout defender he is fantastic going forward. He became the first 17-year old since Delle Alli to score a hat trick in the lower divisions of English football.

Mourinho loves attacking full-backs. He's been forced to use a former left-winger in Ashley Young at left-back this season. And although he's been in great form at 32-years old he isn't one for the future.

Manchester United paid nearly £30m for Shaw to join from Southampton. The then teenager was the hottest English talent and it seemed like a great investment for the future.

But injuries have hampered his once-promising career.

Sessegnon would be well worth £30m in today's market.

United's left-flank could be covered for the next decade with Sessegnon bursting forward. He could link up with a mixture of either Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial and the effects would be devastating.

The move for Sessegnon is not based upon Shaw exiting the club, however. United have the financial might to afford both players. Shaw and Sessegnon could push each other to another level like Martial and Rashford have.



https://reddevilarmada.com/2017/12/22/manchestser-united-ryan-sessegnon/

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham v Barnsley
SAT 23 Dec 2017 Championship
Venue: Craven Cottage

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has seen his side lose two of their last three matches

Fulham forward Floyd Ayite is back in training after four weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Neeskens Kebano (calf) will be assessed while fellow forward Lucas Piazon is closing in on a return from the broken leg he suffered in August.

Barnsley defender Angus McDonald should feature but fellow centre-back Matty Pearson faces four weeks out with a calf injury.

Winger Lloyd Isgrove is back in training but will not feature.

SAM's prediction
Home win 64%   Draw 21%   Away win 15%

SAM, the Sports Analytics Machine, is a super-computer built by @ProfIanMcHale of the University of Liverpool.

Match facts
    Last season Fulham completed a league double over Barnsley for the first time since the 1958-59 campaign.
    The Tykes have lost five of their last seven league trips to Fulham (W1 D1), with their only win there in this run coming in October 1999 (3-1).
    Barnsley are currently on a seven-game run without a win in the Championship (D2 L5), their third run of 7+ games without a win in this division in 2017.
    Barnsley (23y 231d) have named the youngest starting XI on average this season in the Championship.
    Fulham have secured just three wins in their last 11 Championship games (W3 D3 L5) and have scored more than once in just two of these matches.
    The Whites have won their last two league games at Craven Cottage by a 1-0 scoreline - both against sides in the bottom eight like Barnsley (Millwall and Birmingham).



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42375408

[bobby01]

Fulham boss vents goalscoring frustrations but Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon could be the solution

The Brazilian has been out since breaking his leg in the Cottagers draw with Leeds in August but has recently returned to training

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has vented his frustration at his side not turning opportunities into 'dangerous situations'.

Despite dominating possession against Sunderland last weekend, the London side fell to a 1-0 defeat and produced half as many shots on target as the Black Cats and less shots overall.

The Serbian manager noted that his side were not just missing the shots they had but failing to be threatening in the last third.

The former Maccabi Tel Aviv manager said: "I don't know how many times we are in the box and how many times we bring the ball into the last third and cross in the six yard box without anybody touching the ball

"This is not a shot but it is still a situation that we miss, not only against Sunderland but we take nine corners and ten against Birmingham and we didn't create many dangers, so we don't create any dangerous situations.

"For another side we try find some solution in short corners or bring a little bit different - our delivery of the ball is correct - but we are not dangerous and we always suffer after this situation in offensive transition.

"Now when we are talking about so many things, we have created many things for score more goals, for shoot more times and for be less time in our box.

"When we arrive in final box, we need to be more concentrated and show quality in this situation and finish the action and don't offer the people so much space like we offer in last few games."

Lucas Piazon is in his second week working back with the squad and has a chance of being involved against Barnsley on Saturday.

He scored the equaliser in a 40 minute cameo against Reading before getting injured in the following match against Leeds United.


Celebration: Lucas Piazon scores against Reading (Image: Harry Hubbard/Getty Images)

Jokanovic said that the 23-year-old - who he signed on loan for a second season - could help Fulham find what they've been lacking in front of goal

He said: "Yes, perhaps, Piazon shows us in the past that he can be really useful player for us. It's not question about only one player where we are talking about one guy solving all this problems, we can talk about strikers to solve this.

"For another side, Lucas Piazon, after hard time behind of him, shows he is comfortable on the pitch, we must check him too for when he starts compete but he shows great spirit and ambition and desire to get back as early as possible to be part of the team."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/fulham-boss-vents-goalscoring-frustrations-14073404

This actually makes me angry, if you play a midfielder as a false 9 why are you surprised there is no one in the 6 yard box. Play a forward it is not rocket science.

[Woolly Mammoth]

Fulham boss vents goalscoring frustrations but Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon could be the solution

The Brazilian has been out since breaking his leg in the Cottagers draw with Leeds in August but has recently returned to training

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has vented his frustration at his side not turning opportunities into 'dangerous situations'.

Despite dominating possession against Sunderland last weekend, the London side fell to a 1-0 defeat and produced half as many shots on target as the Black Cats and less shots overall.

The Serbian manager noted that his side were not just missing the shots they had but failing to be threatening in the last third.

The former Maccabi Tel Aviv manager said: "I don't know how many times we are in the box and how many times we bring the ball into the last third and cross in the six yard box without anybody touching the ball

"This is not a shot but it is still a situation that we miss, not only against Sunderland but we take nine corners and ten against Birmingham and we didn't create many dangers, so we don't create any dangerous situations.

"For another side we try find some solution in short corners or bring a little bit different - our delivery of the ball is correct - but we are not dangerous and we always suffer after this situation in offensive transition.

"Now when we are talking about so many things, we have created many things for score more goals, for shoot more times and for be less time in our box.

"When we arrive in final box, we need to be more concentrated and show quality in this situation and finish the action and don't offer the people so much space like we offer in last few games."

Lucas Piazon is in his second week working back with the squad and has a chance of being involved against Barnsley on Saturday.

He scored the equaliser in a 40 minute cameo against Reading before getting injured in the following match against Leeds United.


Celebration: Lucas Piazon scores against Reading (Image: Harry Hubbard/Getty Images)

Jokanovic said that the 23-year-old - who he signed on loan for a second season - could help Fulham find what they've been lacking in front of goal

He said: "Yes, perhaps, Piazon shows us in the past that he can be really useful player for us. It's not question about only one player where we are talking about one guy solving all this problems, we can talk about strikers to solve this.

"For another side, Lucas Piazon, after hard time behind of him, shows he is comfortable on the pitch, we must check him too for when he starts compete but he shows great spirit and ambition and desire to get back as early as possible to be part of the team."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/fulham-boss-vents-goalscoring-frustrations-14073404

This actually makes me angry, if you play a midfielder as a false 9 why are you surprised there is no one in the 6 yard box. Play a forward it is not rocket science.

You know that, I know that and thousands of others do, but this is another symptom of a club drifting along and becalmed on the seas without a rudder.