Saturday Fulham Stuff (10/03/18)...

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Fulham's Cyrus Christie admits Middlesbrough 'shame' & explains first-team training exile

The full-back was a surprise departure in January and claims Pulis had no desire for attacking full-backs in his Boro XI

Cyrus Christie has shed further light on his surprise Middlesbrough exit and admits it's a "shame" that his time on Teesside ended so abruptly.

The Republic of Ireland international was one of club's first signings of the summer as he swapped Derby for the Riverside in July 2017, and started 21 of Garry Monk's 23 Championship matches in charge.

But following the 39-year-old's sacking just before Christmas, Christie soon lost his place in the Boro first-team as successor Tony Pulis opted for Ryan Shotton at right-back.

As a result, Christie followed Martin Braithwaite out of the exit door on deadline day, ending his six-month stint in the North-east and joining Fulham on a permanent deal.

While Pulis hinted last month that Christie was among those itching for a move away from Boro during the winter window, the full-back has reiterated it was the club's desire to move him off the books - not the other way around.

"I'd gone to Middlesbrough and the new manager had bought quite a few lads in to play a certain way. It was new beginnings for them and a totally different brand of football," Christie told Fulham's matchday programme this week.

"I was enjoying it and I thought we were playing well. It was a shock that Garry Monk was sacked, especially considering we'd just picked up a couple of wins. Tony Pulis came in and had a completely different style.

"He wasn't an attack-minded manager, he wanted to sit back, get 11 men behind the ball and try and get something from a set piece.

"He had his way of playing and I didn't fit into that. He told me if a team came in for me then I could leave, so I had to make a decision.

"He wasn't going to play me, I wasn't in his plans and the lads that weren't in the starting XI often didn't train with the first team, which was quite strange.

"It was a weird experience for me but it's one you have to learn from and move on from. I'm someone who wants to play, I'm closing in on 300 appearances at the age of 25.

"I've got a few international caps under my belt. I wasn't happy to just sit around and be a bit-part player.

"I did enjoy my time there; the fans, players and staff were brilliant with me and I've made some good friends. We had a good group. It was just a shame how it ended."

Christie also revealed how his move to Fulham actually materialised before deadline day , with the Cottagers eager to sign the 25-year-old on loan.

But Boro were unwilling to sanction the deal, leaving Christie with an awkward wait until Slavisa Jokanovic's side rekindled their interest hours before the deadline.

"(Fulham) did speak to me in the summer before I went to Middlesbrough but nothing came of it," he said.

"Then they came along a couple of days before the transfer window shut in January as they'd been watching the situation after Pulis came in as manager.

"The talk was of a loan move with a view to a permanent, but Boro didn't want that. So it only really kicked off on deadline day and we managed to get it over the line just before the window closed.

"It was a long day. I was down in London from early in the morning, I was on a 7.30am train to the capital. It was just a waiting game to get it done, but thankfully it did and I'm just happy to be here now and joining a fantastic club.

"I've always been impressed with Fulham when I've played against them. Craven Cottage was always a tough place to go and their style of play certain suits me."

Despite his desire for first-team football being behind the move from Boro to Fulham, Christie has so far made just a single appearance for the Cottagers after struggling to dislodge regular right-back and ex-Riverside loanee Ryan Fredericks.

"I know all about Freddo, he's a brilliant player and a great full-back," Christie added.

"He's done fantastically well for Fulham. We're similar in some ways but we've also got a lot of different attributes.

The gaffer didn't want me just to come in and make up the numbers. He saw us being able to play on the same flank or with me on the other side.

"It's always tough to come into a team on an unbeaten run like Fulham are. You have to be patient and wait for your chance.

"I managed to make my debut at Bristol City, which was good, as I hadn't started a game in two months. But as a squad, we can push each other on and I'm sure I can make Freddo even better.

"He's having a fantastic season and that can only benefit Fulham.

"I actually wasn't a full-back as a youngster; I used to play on the wing and as a striker. I played there for a quite a few years and then I dropped to centre midfield, then centre-back and finally full- back. I liked full-back as I could still attack.

"So I've played many positions and I can still do a job a bit further forward."



https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulhams-cyrus-christie-admits-middlesbrough-14390134

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Fulham boss admits problem with Chelsea, Newcastle, Brighton, Liverpool and Southampton men when trying to fit in Lucas Piazon

Slavisa Jokanovic explains why Lucas Piazon is out of his team right now

Slavisa Jokanovic insists Lucas Piazon is still very much in his plans and has revealed the difficult he has, selection-wise, when it comes to the club's loan players, writes Mark Ritson.

The Whites are currently borrowing six players from Premier League sides, and of course are only able to select five in their matchday squad.

Piazon has been the fall guy at times recently, but Jokanovic says it could happen to any one of the others, depending on who he needs for the type of opposition.


(Image: Paul Burgman)

Another factor is Ryan Sessegnon's outstanding form as a left-sided attacker, which is where Piazon would play if selected.

"It's natural to speak to him and others players, we know Lucas is an important player for us," said the boss, speaking at his pre-match press conference.

"I have a new situation where we brought in Matt Targett (from Southampton), where we have another winger, and Ryan Sessegnon has started playing in a more offensive position.

"For political reasons, I have to drop one of the six loan players each game. I have him, Kalas (Chelsea), Mitrovic (Newcastle), Norwood (Brighton and Hove Albion), Ojo (Liverpool) and Targett.

"For all the games, some of these players understand. They are little surprised sometimes if they are in the stands.


(Image: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

"I explain the situation to them and they understand. This is what has affected Lucas to miss some games and minutes.

"But he is one of the more important players for my squad. Because we have six loans, five are fighting for a position for each game.

"This is a new situation for both me and them. I have dropped Lucas, but have also dropped Sheyi Ojo a few times, not because they don't deserve to play but I have to do it and it's part of my job."

Piazon, on loan from Chelsea, is yet to really set British football on fire just yet, but Jokanovic believes the player can certainly play in the Premier League or Championship.

The attacker has been loaned out to Malaga, Vitesse Arnhem, Eintracht Frankfurt and Reading since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2012.

"Lucas has potential to play at all levels," said Jokanovic.

"Unfortunately he was out of the squad for a few months because of his ankle but he has come back with the same energy and desire.

"He has pushed for the team and himself. Right now his job is here with us and he has done a good job for me, my staff and his team-mates and for Fulham in general."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-admits-problem-chelsea-14389268

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Loan rules give Fulham boss tough choice to make

Slavisa Jokanovic insists Lucas Piazon deserves to play but loan rules mean the Fulham boss faces a selection dilemma.

Fulham have six on-loan players but can only include five in each matchday squad – and if Tomas Kalas passes a late fitness test ahead of Saturday's game at Preston, either Piazon or Sheyi Ojo appears likely to miss out.

Head coach Jokanovic said: "I have a new situation in my team where we brought in Matt Targett (on loan from Southampton) and I find myself with one more winger, because Sessegnon starts in the more offensive position.

"We have six loan players fighting for five positions and, for political reasons, I must always drop one to the stands. This is a new situation for me and them.

"This situation has affected Lucas and he missed some minutes. I dropped Sheyi Ojo a few times too. Not because they deserve it, but because I have to.

"Sometimes these players are a little surprised why they are in the stands, but I explained and they understand."

Piazon, on loan from Chelsea, was an instrumental part of Fulham's promotion bid last season and has impressed again since returning from a serious injury this term.

And Jokanovic said: "Last season and this season he has been one of the more important players for our squad. He has made a great job for myself and my staff and for Fulham in general.

"Unfortunately this season he spent a few months out with a problem with his ankle, but he came back with the same energy and ambition and desire, and pushes for the team and himself to have the opportunity at the highest level possible."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-liverpool-sheyi-ojo-loan-rules-100318

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic reveals he one day hopes to coach in La Liga

The head coach spent seven years in Spain before moving to Chelsea and he admits he would one day like to coach in La Liga

Slavisa Jokanovic has revealed he would one day like to coach in La Liga having implemented a Spanish style of football on his current Fulham team.

The 49-year-old spent seven years in Spain before moving to Chelsea in 2000, spending time at Oviedo, Tenerife and Deportivo La Coruna, before eventually finishing his career at Ciudad Murcia in 2004, retiring after three months there.

The brand of football he currently has the Cottagers playing has been hailed by most that have watched the side, with a lot of opposition managers also complimentary, often hailing the team as the 'best footballing team in the Championship.'

Jokanovic has already managed in Spain once before - a short spell at Hercules in 2014 in the second division, but he was unable to save them, winning only one game of his five in charge.

However, the Fulham boss has revealed that he would still like to coach in La Liga, and sees it as a natural step in his career.

When asked when he was going to coach in Spain, Jokanovic told AS.com: "You never know. I went through the Hercules but managed very few games.

"It would be a natural step because my family lives in Madrid and, whenever I have vacations, I am there. I hope I can coach some years in La Liga."

Jokanovic has Fulham playing some of the best football in the division, a style that bares resemblance to Spanish sides like Barcelona and the national team, where attacking, passing football is the norm.

It's a bit different to the traditional English style of play, which is seen as more physical, and Jokanovic believes the side try to follow the model that Spanish football has given the world.

"It is a somewhat atypical style in England. As I said, I played almost all of my career in Spain, and that's what I'm trying to convey in the Championship: Spanish football," he added.

"It is a little different from what has been done here historically. We try to dominate the possession, play in the opposite field, press up - it is a risky and offensive football and until now we have done well.


(Image: Paul Burgman)

"Last year we were the top scorer in the category, this year we also lead this ranking (62 goals in 36 matches).

"It is different from the stereotype of English football, especially in the Championship.

"Obviously we do not have the quality to play like them (Barcelona). It would be arrogant to say that we want to play like them.

"But we do try to follow this model. We recognise ourselves in Spanish football and I try to make my team play true to that style."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-reveals-14390463

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Slavisa Jokanovic aiming to lose Fulham's 'second club' tag - by winning promotion to the Premier League

The Cottagers find themselves in the playoff places with ten games left to play in the Championship season

Slavisa Jokanovic is determined to stop Fulham being everyone's second club - by taking them into the Premier League.

Fulham have always been London's most lovable club because of Craven Cottage, sat on the banks of the River Thames and rarely posing a threat to the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham.

But Jokanovic is making them a force to be reckoned with now after 10 wins from their last 13 games as a "werewolf" has pushed them towards promotion.

Fulham boss Jokanovic is glowing about 17-year-old sensation Ryan Sessegnon but also wants to stop the club being so lovable by battling it out with the big boys.

Jokanovic said: "You say Fulham is many people's second team but my aim is to make Fulham more important than that, to make Fulham a very important team in London and our fans are ready for that.

"There's a club in Spain like Fulham, it's Real Betis, there's a similarity between the two clubs.

"But, for me, Fulham is not anyone's second team, they are first, I know many Fulham supporters and none of them support Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham or West Ham.

"You can feel a different atmosphere in our stadium, I'm very happy here, it's a great place to live, great place to work and you always have to be successful but I'm ambitious and want to improve.

"I came here as a player with Chelsea, also as a coach with Watford, it's very different. I love the stadium.

"It's like Highbury, that was special, I liked being there and that no longer exists but Craven Cottage is still here, it's got history from all those years ago and it's magic.

"If I'm a coach then I must believe we can do it and win promotion. I trust in myself, my staff and my coaches.

"I've been asked where we went wrong last year but actually football is about many small details and I think we deserve to be a Premier League team."

Former Yugoslavia international Jokanovic, 49, has had an interesting career - playing for eight clubs and Fulham is his seventh managerial job - but Craven Cottage seems a good fit.

okanovic led promotion with Watford but could not agree a new deal and now comes a second chance with Fulham after missing out last year.

This feels different as they are bang in form, Alexander Mitrovic is scoring and they have the most exciting young talent in English football with 17-year-old Sessegnon, already courted by Tottenham, Manchester United and the rest.

Jokanovic persuaded Sessegnon to stay last summer and is hoping that promotion could keep him again this time.

Jokanovic said: "I remember the first time I coached him. I asked the academy that they recommend one player, he was 15 at the time. 15 years old? He's a kid and I'm coaching him!

"We took him and the next time I asked, 'How old is he now?' He was 16 and we took him on pre-season, that's when he really started working with us and, after one month, I said to one of the coaches: 'F***ing hell, I need to put him in the team!'

"It's simple why I put him in: he was better than the player there. I was not giving him a present, no special invite, he deserved to be in the team.

"He was always a werewolf for working, a great capacity for learning, he's young but he's fully professional.

"Now he's 17 years old, but he's already confident with his team mates, he's like an adult, very comfortable and we have not detected any negative changes. He's amazing.

"What is top for him? He's going to be so high. He's over 60 or 70 games for us, it's been a great experience and he is probably preparing himself for a big team.

"But we try to help him go at the right speed, right direction and if he can't be a Premier League player with us then I'm sure he will be an important Premier League player and also in the England national team soon in the future."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/slavisa-jokanovic-aiming-lose-fulhams-12159393

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Expert in passing, specialist at tackling: The man behind all of Fulham's success this season

Kevin McDonald

Expert in passing, specialist at tackling: The man behind all of Fulham's success this season – Kevin McDonald

Fulham are pretty much the on a different level in the Championship right now. Despite making a slow start, the Cottagers have rallied themselves and have been putting up some fine performances lately.

They have maintained a clean sheet in their last five home games and are also on a spectacular unbeaten run of 14 games right now. In fact, merely 5 points are separating them from an automatic promotion spot and if they play their cards right, Fulham can easily topple Cardiff City to get to the second place.

Throughout the season, there have been a few of their players who have been in the limelight for all the right reasons. Ryan Sessegnon, Tom Cairney and Stefan Johansen have been absolutely devastating and are true-blue match-winners in their own ways. And while there is no denying that they deserve all the attention, it must be noted that there is one player who has been working tirelessly but has not received as much appreciation.

Kevin McDonald is a central midfielder by trade but his contributions often get overshadowed by his more attack-oriented teammates. Usually, it is the player with most goals and assists that walks away with all the accolades but the kind of impact McDonald has made for Fulham this season is unparalleled.

For example, in their recent game against Derby County, it was his last-ditch tackle which helped seal all of three points for the club. Derby's Cameron Jerome was quite close to scoring and had it not been for McDonald's tackle, Fulham's unbeaten streak would have come to an end and they would have had to forfeit the precious three points.

Besides shielding the defence to keep trouble at bay, the 29-year-old is also a specialist at passing the ball, which often helps the Cottagers maintain fluidity in the game. During Fulham's most recent game against Sheffield United, McDonald made a whopping 86 passes with an accuracy of 86%.

By all means, Slavisa Jokanovic's men deserve full credit for their attacking displays but they would not have achieved all this without McDonald. His solid foundation in the middle of the park works wonders at maintaining a link between the front men and the back line. Even though he has scored just one goal and provided a solitary assist throughout the season so far, McDonald's contributions are above and beyond mere goals and assists.

Regardless of whether or not Fulham secure a promotion to the top-flight by the end of the campaign, there is absolutely no denying the fact that McDonald has been one of their best players.



https://soccersouls.com/2018/03/10/expert-in-passing-specialist-at-tackling-the-man-behind-all-of-fulhams-success-this-season/

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Three Players to Watch: Matchday 37 vs. Preston North End
What can Fulham not do these days?

What else is there to say about Fulham?

After a 3-0 demolition of Sheffield United, it seems like there is no stopping this club at the moment. With the victory, Slavisa Jokanovic and his team are now unbeaten in 14 games and are just 15 points away from their tally in last year's league table. Along with returning to lead the league in goals scored (62), they have now accumulated eight clean sheets in their last 18 fixtures after only doing so twice in their first 18. The club is in a very healthy place, but as always, the job isn't done just yet.

Sure, Fulham can simply coast their way towards the playoffs, but that will mean all momentum is lost and they would be considered underdogs against their potential opponent. Along with that, it's not like the club are the most perfect team from a statistical perspective. For starts, Brentford (58.9) and Cardiff City (57.1) are actually ahead of Fulham's 54.6 expected goal tally in attack. Along with that, their 42.1 expected goals against is starting to accelerate more than their actual tally of 38 goals conceded. In fact, since Marcus Bettinelli has been brought back to the starting XI, he has guided the defence to 11 goals conceded in the face of 15.2 expected ones in 16 games. This is not a David De Gea situation we're talking about here, but if anything, there should be some trepidation to say that the defense is complete. It is definitely improved since last campaign, but their analytical tally has them tied with Middlesbrough and Derby County for seventh in the league.

All these data points indicate a club that is on the way towards becoming among the best in the Championship. Whether that is enough for them to gain one of the two places for direct promotion into the Premier League is what could be too much to ask. Like I stated up until their amazing run of form, Fulham will have to improve some more for them to reach that level. They will hope to continue this rich vein of form against a Preston North End side that are quite interesting.

Sure, they have only lost twice since November 17th, but within those 20 games are nine wins and nine draws. That's a grand total of just 36 points out of a possible 60. They could squeak into the playoffs thanks to a strong pressing defense, but the loss of joint-leading goal scorer Jordan Hugill will surely sink any club further from proposed targets. Along with that, their mid-table total 45 goals scored off of a solid 13.3 shots per contest is a perfect indicator of just how inefficient their attack has become.

Consider that Preston sit fifth in both shots from outside (204) and inside (251) the penalty area. However, if you only count shots from inside six yards, it will be quite difficult to find a Lily-whites jersey anywhere as they have only unleashed 25 such tallies all season. Add in just 4.17 shots on target per game, and you see why it's a struggle for Fulham's opponents to claim wins instead of draws. Still, this is a dangerous unit when they are at their best and are a well-organized and high-effort group under manager Alex Neil. Fulham just can't afford to take their foot off the gas pedal.

With that in mind, let's take a look at three of their key players.

Callum Robinson

Now that Hugill is out of the picture and that Sean Maguire is just returning from a long term hamstring injury, eyes will be on the 23-year old Robinson to step up as being the lone striker in Neil's 4-2-3-1 formation. With regards to shots, the former Aston Villa academy product has certainly done that to the tune of 3.25 per 90 minutes. But with a Sone Aluko-like 31.3% shots on target percentage, Robinson's efficiency can be much better.

He has proven that he can hit the back of the net with his 10 goals in 2977 minutes last season. However, Robinson is probably more comfortable playing out wide in the attacking midfield three and taking defenders on the dribble. He has done a much better job maintaining possession this season and his defense (2.18 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes) is quite high for a center forward. Still, one has to wonder what his natural position is as Robinson moves further along into his career.

Paul Huntington

Up next is arguably been Preston's best defender along their back four. While the likes of Darnell Fisher have been great as well, it has been the 30-year old center back that has been leading the club in aerial duels won, interceptions, blocked shots and clearances. You won't see him do much in the tackle, but like Tim Ream, that can be viewed in a positive light as that means you'll rarely find him out of position.

You will not see him do much with the ball at his feet, but Huntington is the no-nonsense defender that Neil has asked for in his first year in charge for the club. That is a massive accolade considering that captain Tom Clarke has been out almost all of this season due to a torn achilles.

Paul Gallagher

All data from whoscored.com

Lastly, we may not be looking at one of Preston's best midfielders, but we are certainly giving props to their most interesting. While Gallagher certainly is not the creative dynamo that Tom Cairney is, he does know how to unleash a long ball pass and whip in a cross. Considering that he plays in the lower levels of English football, that is certainly traits to build a club around.

Preston are not necessarily known for speedy players that can open up space on their own. So it is up to players like Gallagher that can put a ball into danger areas for their game to work. Again, Alex Neil's side is not a dangerous attacking side or pleasing team when the ball is at their feet. But if you are looking for a player that encapsulate what Preston North End are about from a stylistic standpoint, Gallagher is your man.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/3/9/17099464/three-players-to-watch-matchday-37-vs-preston-north-end

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Ex-Fulham striker Bobby Zamora backs Tottenham target Ryan Sessegnon to stay at the Cottage

The former striker thinks the side will keep hold of their star player - if they get promoted to the Premier League

Ex-Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has backed Fulham keeping hold of Ryan Sessegnon next season - if they get promoted to the Premier League.

The 17-year-old wonderkid has been linked to some of the biggest names in football such as Liverpool, Manchester United and City, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Scoring 14 goals and setting the Championship alight at such a tender age will bring those links, but Sessegnon is happy at his boyhood club and hopes to be playing Premier League football with them next season.

And Zamora is backing Fulham to wave off interest from those clubs, but only if they get promoted to the top flight.

He said: "He's a real talent, 17 years of age, the big challenge is can they keep hold of him like last year?

"He possibly should've gone last year, let alone this year, so that's the big challenge.

"Yeah, if they get promoted I think he'll stay about but money talks and the end of the day and what he's been doing for the past two years, people will pay a lot of money for that."


(Image: Paul Burgman)

However, Zamora does think that playing under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino would help his development, even if Sessegnon wasn't to play as regularly as he does now at Fulham.

He added: "I think it would help his development but saying that, if you're under the likes of Jose Mourinho or Pochettino, whoever it may be, then you'll certainly learn from those guys too.

"There's two sides to it, he may not play every week but there's certainly benefit to being around those players."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ex-fulham-striker-bobby-zamora-14388765

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Why Ryan Sessegnon will stay at Fulham this summer amid Spurs, Liverpool & Man United links

Latest Spurs transfer news includes comments from Bobby Zamora on Ryan Sessegnon

Bobby Zamora has said that Fulham will be able to keep hold of Ryan Sessegnon this summer, amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Liverpool.

It's been another standout season for the teenager. He's scored 14 goals and weighed in with four assists in the Championship so far and has played a key role in the Cottagers' surge up the table following that defeat against Sunderland back in December.

Since then the Cottagers have put together a 14-game unbeaten run - which includes a victory over leaders Wolves - and are just five points off an automatic promotion place with 10 games remaining of the campaign.

Should they fail to reel in second-placed Cardiff City then a play-off place almost certainly beckons for the west London outfit and Zamora is of the opinion that Sessegnon will still be at Craven Cottage next season provided his former club are a Premier League side.

"He's a real talent, 17 years of age, the big challenge is can they keep hold of him like last year?," he told Get West London.

"He possibly should've gone last year, let alone this year, so that's the big challenge.

"Yeah, if they get promoted I think he'll stay about but money talks and the end of the day and what he's been doing for the past two years, people will pay a lot of money for that."

With that said, Zamora does think that a move to Spurs or Manchester United to play under Mauricio Pochettino or Jose Mourinho would help Sessengon's development, even if he means starting opportunities are limited as a result .

"I think it would help his development but saying that, if you're under the likes of Jose Mourinho or Pochettino, whoever it may be, then you'll certainly learn from those guys too," he added.

"There's two sides to it, he may not play every week but there's certainly benefit to being around those players."

In a week that has seen conflicting reports over Sessegnon's club preference, the 17-year-old will be looking to continue his recent good form against Preston North-End this afternoon.



https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/transfer-news/sessegnon-spurs-man-united-liverpool-14392612

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Rafael Benitez's latest comments on Aleksandar Mitrovic suggests there's no way back for him at Newcastle

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been banging in goals at Fulham for fun since joining the Cottagers on loan in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old has scored five goals in his last four games for Fulham, but the Serbian probably doesn't feature in Benitez's long term plans.

Mitrovic claimed in the midweek that Fulham play "attacking football" which suits his style, while the Magpies were more tactical for him.

Benitez has said that he is happy that Mitrovic has rediscovered his goal scoring form and that it will benefit both the player and the club in the summer.

The former Liverpool manager seemingly aimed a dig at Mitrovic by not mentioning his contribution to the Magpies' promotion winning campaign last season.

"Our style of football was very offensive and we had one key player – and that was Dwight Gayle," said Benitez, as quoted by the Chronicle.

"He scored 23 goals even when he was two months without playing. Even Daryl Murphy scored six goals.

"As I've said before, I hope he scores 20 goals. That will be much better for him and for us. But it's a question (about his future) that we have to ask in May.

Mitrovic scored just four goals last season, and the above comments suggest that his future could lie away from St James' Park in the summer.

If Mitrovic continues to perform well and score goals it will help Newcastle recoup a higher fee for the forward in the summer. Also, Fulham could be tempted to sign him permanently – a deal that would make sense for all parties involved.



http://sportslens.com/rafael-benitezs-latest-comments-on-aleksandar-mitrovic-suggests-theres-no-way-back-for-him-at-newcastle/226771/

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Fulham backed to draw at Preston and extend unbeaten run by Sky Sports pundit

David Prutton has had his say on 'unstoppable' Fulham and their game against Preston North End

Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has backed Fulham to continue their unbeaten run - but only with a draw at Preston North End.

The Whites are currently 14 unbeaten heading into the last of their 'big six' fixtures, but Preston themselves are on a good run of form, with victory against Bristol City seeing them to within one point of the Play-offs.

A 3-0 win over Sheffield United in midweek meant that Fulham consolidated their place in the top six as they hunt down Cardiff City in that final automatic spot, with the Welsh side currently five points ahead of them.

But Prutton thinks despite the Cottagers looking 'unstoppable' Preston will halt them from getting all three points on Saturday.

He wrote in his Sky Sports column: "Back-to-back wins for Preston and they are on the cusp of the play-off places again all of a sudden. Alex Neil's side are just a point off the top six and you wonder if Norwich will regret letting him go now, as they hover in mid-table obscurity.

"Fulham dismantled Sheffield United on Tuesday night and they're looking unstoppable at the moment. Deepdale is such a tough place to go, though, and I think this will be a draw.

"Prutton predicts: 1-1"



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-backed-draw-preston-extend-14388868

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Aleksandar Mitrovic is 'an animal' - he's been 'immense' for Fulham, insists ex-NUFC target Cairney

Newcastle United loaned Aleksandar Mitrovic out to Fulham in January - and he has scored five in his last four games

Aleksandar Mitrovic has been "an animal" out on the pitch in recent games - and Fulham "need" the Newcastle United forward if they are to clinch promotion.

That is the view of former Magpies midfield target Tom Cairney, who has been impressed by the Serbian ever since he arrived at Craven Cottage on transfer-deadline day in January.

In just five Championship starts, Mitrovic has scored five goals - all of which have come in his last four games, including a brace during the Cottagers' 3-0 victory over Sheffield United on Tuesday evening.

Mitrovic failed to make a Premier League start for Newcastle this season before heading out on loan in January, but the 23-year-old has excelled in the west London as he targets a place in Serbia's squad for this summer's World Cup in Russia.

Fulham captain Cairney has certainly liked what he has seen from the Magpies forward so far.

Mitrovic came close to joining Anderlecht and Bordeaux before his 11th-hour switch to the Cottagers in January, while he also attracted interest from Fulham's promotion rivals Middlesbrough.

With 10 games remaining, Slavisa Jokanovic's side are fourth in the Championship - five points behind second-placed Cardiff City - and Cairney feels Mitrovic will prove crucial during the run in if the Cottagers are to secure automatic promotion.

"He's been absolutely immense ever since he's walked through the door," Cairney said of Mitrovic during an interview with The Independent.

"He looks hungry, he's getting fitter and fitter every week, and he's really causing centre-halves serious problems. On top of that he's scoring goals.

"He's a bit of an animal at the minute and, if we're going to do anything this season, we need him."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aleksandar-mitrovic-an-animal-hes-14388529