Friday Fulham Stuff (16/11/18)...

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Hughes out: 2 reasons Southampton need to risk it all and move for Jokanovic

Following the fall of Serbian Slavisa Jokanovic who was released from Fulham earlier today, it's no surprise that Mark Hughes is one of the new favourites to sacked prematurely by his club.

Southampton find themselves currently sat in 17th place, marginally above Cardiff City on goal difference, playing some of the least attractive football we've ever had the misfortune of witnessing.

The defenders may as well be replaced with mannequins – having leaked 21 goals already, the midfielders have lost all of their creative spark, and the forward efforts don't warrant comment.

Indeed, at least football fans get to see some goals on matchday – even if they are in their own net.

Hughes may not be solely to blame for Southampton's fall into obscurity, as the club have had a host of unsuccessful managers since the glory days of Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman; however, he certainly hasn't helped it from happening with his brand of sleep-inducing football.

It's time to take a gamble and shake things up at Southampton. And, since Jokanovic is now free, it may be worth taking a punt on the ex-Fulham manager to do this.

Here are two reasons we believe he could be the man for the job...

Style of football
The season so far hasn't been a fair reflection of Jokanovic's style.

Fulham played some of the finest attacking football in the Championship last season leading up to their promotion, and it hasn't quite shown in the Premier League.

Whether this was because the manager naively made too many signings this summer, we don't know – but it's very clear that the team haven't managed to gel quick enough to adapt.

Southampton haven't made the same mistake in their own transfer window. And having been renowned for their attractive style football until recently, there's enough of a foundation there for Jokanovic to successfully work with.

Planning for the future
If Southampton continue the way they're going at the moment, there's absolutely no doubt that they'll be in the Championship come the start of next season.

The second tier of English football brings with a different set of challenges – tasks that require an experienced mind, and someone who can overcome the trials and tribulations of a 46+ game season. Which is why you find the same managers doing the rounds as clubs try desperately to rescue themselves from the league. Your Neil Warnock's, Steve McClaren's, and Steve Bruce's of the world, for example.

Jokanovic is another one of these faces. Having already secured promotion with Watford and Fulham, the club would be justified in having every faith in the Serbian to secure them bounce back promotion.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/southampton-premiership/hughes-out-2-reasons-southampton-need-to-risk-it-all-and-move-for-jokanovic/

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Liverpool face key January transfer decision as Premier League side eye move for ace

Fulham are reportedly considering a move for Joel Matip as the Liverpool ace continues to struggle for playing time so far this season at Anfield.

The 27-year-old has made just seven appearances to this point, totalling 272 minutes of football across all competitions.

With the addition of Virgil van Dijk in January and the emergence of Joe Gomez along with competition from Dejan Lovren, Matip has seemingly fallen down the pecking order.

On one hand, that could be enough for the club to allow him to move on if he wishes to, with talkSPORT noting that new Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri wants to make him his first signing at Craven Cottage in January to solidify his own backline.

In contrast though, with the Reds going for glory on multiple fronts this season and with the threat of injuries and loss of form, keeping Matip this season could be a sensible move to ensure that they are well covered in that department.

Liverpool have conceded just five goals in 12 Premier League games thus far, giving them the joint-best defensive record alongside leaders and reigning champions Manchester City.

With that in mind, Klopp has seemingly solved their issues at the back and has found the right balance. That would suggest that Matip could continue to struggle to force his way into his plans, and may well have to rely on an injury to get the playing time that he'll be desperate for.

As a result, that could be enough to convince him a move elsewhere is the best option for his own career, forcing Liverpool into potentially making a difficult transfer decision in terms of whether or not to reject the idea and prioritise their own needs over those of Matip to avoid being left light in the coming months.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2018/11/15/liverpool-face-key-january-transfer-decision-as-premier-league-side-eye-move-for-ace/

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Moving for Mitrovic would make little sense for Liverpool

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has suggested in his column for the Liverpool Echo that the club should make a move for Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

What's the word?

Jurgen Klopp already has some decent attacking options at his disposal, in the form of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

Last season, the team blew everyone away with their scintillating free-flowing moves, but that energy has been lacking in the current campaign.

In his column for the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge suggested that Mitrovic would give the Reds a different option and style.

Does he have a point?

Mitrovic would certainly bring a different facet to Klopp's team, but it is not one that they really need.

The manager has already experimented with formations this season as his tried and trusted 4-3-3 has shifted to 4-2-3-1 at times.

Salah was the focal point up front for Liverpool against Fulham last weekend, but his attributes are more than just that of a striker.

Mitrovic certainly has talent as he has netted five goals for the Cottagers this season, but he is more one-dimensional than Salah.

Would Liverpool be able to sign him anyway?

Fulham only landed the Serbian's signature on a permanent deal from Newcastle United last year.

With that in mind, it would be a surprise if they agreed to let him go, unless Liverpool came in with a mammoth offer.

No disrespect to Mitrovic, but he is not worth a hefty fee, particularly as he would only be playing a bit-part role under Klopp.



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/liverpool/moving-for-mitrovic-would-make-little-sense-for-liverpool

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Joel Matip deal could give Liverpool the edge in Ryan Sessegnon pursuit

The Fulham deal for Matip could sweeten Cottagers up for Sessegnon swoop.

Fulham's new boss Claudio Ranieri has his eyes on his first January transfer target. According to reports in Turkey, the Cameroonian international Joel Matip is wanted by the Cottagers to help Ranieri strengthen the defence at Craven Cottage. They will reportedly battle with Fenerbahce for his signature in the winter.

Matip has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield. Virgil van Dijk is the undisputed starter, Joe Gomez is having an exceptional season whilst Dejan Lovren has had a fantastic year which saw him help Croatia to the World Cup final.

Liverpool should certainly do everything in their power to convince Matip into a Fulham move. Because it would be wise for Liverpool to be on good terms with the West London club. Smooth negotiations here could help them in pursuit of talented teenager Ryan Sessegnon.

The 18-year-old left-sided super talent is believed to have Liverpool among his long list of followers. John Aldridge urged Liverpool to move for the player this week and it is believed Sessegnon is key on an Anfield switch.

In March, the Express reported that Sessegnon wanted to join Liverpool in the summer if Fulham failed in their promotion bid. They claimed the player was a boyhood Liverpool fan and felt Jurgen Klopp would be his best mentor and would not hold him back with a lack of first-team football.

By accommodating a deal for Matip, Liverpool would be putting themselves on good terms with Fulham's deal makers. Sessegnon remains a Fulham player for now but is not expected to stay for long. Relegation this year would undoubtedly see him lined up by the best teams in England once again.

Liverpool have a chance here to get the early edge.



https://tbrfootball.com/joel-matip-deal-could-give-liverpool-the-edge-in-ryan-sessegnon-pursuit/

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If Ranieri lands these 2 in January, Fulham are staying in the Premier League

Fulham have sacked Slavisa Jokanovic after an incredibly poor start to the season that has left them at the bottom of the Premier League table with just five points from twelve games.

Claudio Ranieri is the chosen man to save the club from near certain relegation.

Fans may remember the Italian from his time at Leicester City where he won the 15/16 Premier League title for the club before being controversially sacked the following season.

As per BBC Sport, owner Shahid Khan said of his decision to sign Ranieri, "his recent body of work with Leicester City is literally legendary, and then you look at Claudio's experience with Chelsea and big clubs throughout Europe, and it's pretty evident we are welcoming an extraordinary football man to Fulham Football Club."

It's going to take every ounce of his "extraordinary" experience to lift his team out of the danger zone.

If Ranieri is to succeed, he first needs to take on the mammoth task of getting Jokanovic's £100 million haul of summer signings playing with some form of togetherness. Then, if the club are willing to part with additional transfer funds this January, a couple more solid signings wouldn't go amiss.

With that in mind, here are two players who could really boost Fulham's chances...

Pablo Fornals

According to AS, Fulham are one of the two clubs willing to meet the €30 million release clause of Spaniard Pablo Fornals.

The midfielder would certainly inject a bit of creativity and spark into the squad, with his dribbling ability, eye for a pass, and strength on the ball.

FORNALS ON FIRE.

It's not very clear how Fulham have tried to approach this season as both their defensive and offensive football has been particularly bad.

However, the signing of Fornals would at least show a little incentive going forwards.

Ozan Tufan

The Turkish international is currently playing his football in his home nation for Fenerbache but looks set to leave the club after being limited to a number of u21 appearances.

Tufan comes highly rated with 39 international caps already under his belt at 23-years-of-age, and his box-to-box efforts could revitalise Fulham's current midfield, who all look like they're out of answers.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league/fulham/if-ranieri-lands-these-2-in-january-fulham-are-staying-in-the-premier-league/

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Your Transfer Rumor is bullpoo: Joel Matip to Fulham
According to reports out of Turkey, Liverpool's backup defender is being targeted by several sides, including Fulham.

Yesterday, James Pearce of The Echo made a definitive claim about Liverpool's upcoming transfer window plans, or rather lack thereof. According to the well-connected and trustworthy journalist, Liverpool are not planning on making any moves for any personnel in the upcoming transfer window.

As such, it's not a cognitive leap to think that Jurgen Klopp would not be keen on allowing Liverpool players to leave during said window. This has to be doubly true for experienced, senior players who are not too far down the pecking order.

So, the report that Joel Matip would leave in the winter has to be taken with a rather large grain of salt. And when said report comes from Turkish publication A Spor, claiming to have an inside scoop into new Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri's winter transfer plans, we are firmly into "bullpoo" territory.

The report, for what it's worth, claims that Turkish club Fenerbahçe is in for Matip, but gosh darn it, Ranieri is planning on swooping in on the deal in order to strengthen Fulham's leaky defense. Relying on Matip to improve your defense? Bold strategy.

Although Matip has not been an integral part of this Liverpool side (apart from Klopp's continued and frustrating insistence on bringing him in with a narrow lead late in games), it's easy to imagine a situation where he would be, especially given the less-than-stellar injury records of Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren.

As the fourth-choice center-back (with only youth players behind him), it would be negligent of Klopp to allow him to leave mid-campaign. I think we can safely toss this transfer rumor into the bin.



https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-transfer-news/2018/11/15/18096437/transfer-rumor-joel-matip-fulham-fenerbahce-ranieri-defender-liverpool-january-window-epl-turkey

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Fulham is the perfect destination for Liverpool outcast Joel Matip

Shortly after Claudio Ranieri was appointed Fulham manager on Wednesday, reports in TalkSport linked Liverpool centre-half Joel Matip with a January move to SW6.

Craven Cottage is the ideal destination for the out-of-favour Reds centre-half and would represent a smart move for all parties.

The Cameroonian international has started just one Premier League match all season for Liverpool and has played a grand total of less than 100 league minutes.

These statistics show that Jurgen Klopp clearly does not view the defender as a viable starting option at Anfield, and Matip must seek a move away from Merseyside to regain consistent football.

These statistics show that Jurgen Klopp clearly does not view the defender as a viable starting option at Anfield, and Matip must seek a move away from Merseyside to regain consistent football.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-is-the-perfect-destination-for-liverpool-outcast-joel-matip/

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Claudio Ranieri reveals the style of play he will utilise as Fulham manager

The Italian is tasked with ensuring Fulham survive in the Premier League this season

Claudio Ranieri has revealed he will implement a defensive style of football at Fulham after being named as the club's manager on Wednesday.

The Italian was announced the new manager in a statement released by the club that simultaneously hired him and sacked Slavisa Jokanovic, with Ranieri signing a 'multi-year contract'.

Jokanovic, who led the club to promotion from the Championship in May, had only won one game in the Premier League this season and was told that had been relieved of his duties at Fulham in a telephone conversation the morning of the announcement.

During his time at Craven Cottage, Jokanovic implementing an attractive passing brand of football that gained plaudits from across the country last season when they went on a 23-game unbeaten run, but that style struggled to adapt to life in the top flight.

Ranieri, however, has different ideas.

With Leicester City, he implemented a counter-attacking style of football that put emphasis on defence before hitting teams on the break through the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy - a style that won the side an unlikely Premier League title.

At Fulham it will be no different, with Ranieri revealing he will focus on the defensive aspect of the entire team.

Speaking to the club's website, he said: "As an Italian manager, for us the defensive way is the best for the team.


SWANSEA, WALES - FEBRUARY 12: Manager Claudio Ranieri of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Leicester City at Liberty Stadium on February 12, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images) (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

"It is important to have a strong vision of the defence - not just the full-backs or goalkeeper, all the team.

"For me, team spirit is important but I know there is a good group. The fighting spirit is very important

"I hope our fans push us and we need their strength. We need their support always. We will never give up."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/claudio-ranieri-reveals-style-play-15418859

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Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata must be pleased to have avoided Fulham move now

The Belgian defender could have joined struggling Fulham in the summer but is now back to form with Celtic.

This summer saw Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata involved in something of a transfer stand-off with the Scottish giants. The Belgian had just come off the back of an impressive World Cup with Belgium and plenty of clubs were linked with his signature.

It culminated in Boyata missing a Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens and receiving plenty of stick from his own fans.

Boyata returned and scored on his comeback appearance, despite the presence of a banner against him in the Celtic support.

One of the teams that were keen on the Celtic defender were Premier League newbies Fulham. The Cottagers were looking to strengthen their back-line and, as reported by The Standard, had a £9 million move for Boyata rejected in August.

It was this bid and continued interest from Fulham and Italian side Lazio that saw the 27-year-old miss the AEK fixture.

Looking at how things have panned out, Boyata must be pleased he did not head to West London.

Fulham have struggled on their return to the Premier League. They currently sit bottom of the table and yesterday sacked manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

Some may suggest Boyata could have helped their defensive woes, but Fulham clearly need more than just one other player to give them stability in the top-flight.

Boyata has, meanwhile, enjoyed good form with Celtic, who have recently found their best form under Brendan Rodgers once again.

For now, it appears Boyata is in the right place.



https://tbrfootball.com/celtic-defender-dedryck-boyata-must-be-pleased-to-have-avoided-fulham-move-now/

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New Fulham boss Ranieri hails exceptional talent

Claudio Ranieri believes Fulham have under-achieved so far this season given the "exceptional talent" they have in their squad.

The Italian has taken over as manager after chairman Shahid Khan decided to sack Slavisa Jokanovic, who departed with the club bottom of the Premier League following just five points from 12 games.

Ranieri has set his sights higher than mere survival, however, after being given a "multi-year" contract.

Ranieri believes he has inherited a strong group of players and he is already looking up the table ahead of his first game in charge against fellow strugglers Southampton at Craven Cottage on November 24.

"The objective at Fulham should never be to merely survive in the Premier League. We must at all times be a difficult opponent and should expect to succeed," said Ranieri, who has had a spell in charge of Ligue 1 Nantes since leaving Leicester in February 2017.

"This Fulham squad has exceptional talent that is contrary to its position in the table. I know this team is very capable of better performances, which we will work on as we prepare for Southampton."



https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/new-fulham-boss-ranieri-hails-exceptional-talent-37530092.html

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Newcastle's relegation rivals ready 'huge January war chest' - increasing pressure on United to spend

Rafa Benitez wants to strengthen at least three positions in his Newcastle United squad in January

Newcastle United's relegation rivals Fulham will hand Claudio Ranieri a "huge January war chest" in a bid to stave off the drop.

The bottom-of-the-table Cottagers sacked Slavisa Jokanovic, who led the west London club to promotion last season, on Tuesday and replaced the Serbian with former Premier League-winning manager Ranieri.

Despite having lavished more than £100million during the summer window - including an initial £22m in order to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic from Newcastle on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell - Fulham's hierarchy are ready to sanction another significant spending spree in January.

According to The Mirror, ex-Chelsea manager Ranieri will be given a "huge January war chest" in order to bring in two defenders and a new forward to rival Mitrovic.

The 24-year-old striker started the season in excellent form, scoring five goals in his first six Premier League games - but he has failed to find the back of the net in half-a-dozen matches. As a result, Ranieri is believed to want another forward in order to bring the best out of Mitrovic, or possibly take the Serbian's place in the starting line-up, given that Fulham have netted just 11 times in 12 games.

Alarmingly, the Cottagers have also conceded a Premier League-high 31 goals already, so strengthening a defence which has failed to keep a clean sheet all term is also top of Ranieri's priority list.

Jokanovic is the first top-flight manager to be sacked during the 2018/19 campaign but, given that a hectic festive fixture list awaits, Fulham have decided to make a change in the dugout during this two-week international break.

But one dismissal usually facilitates a flurry of Premier League bosses losing their jobs, so other relegation rivals may soon make a change in the dugout if results do not improve.

Southampton's Mark Hughes is also under significant pressure, particularly given the Saints' decision to part with vice-chairman Les Reed earlier this month, and the Welshman needs to oversee a dramatic upkeep in form if he is to keep his job.

Yet the news that Fulham will once again invest during the mid-season window will increase the pressure on Newcastle to do likewise.

Though some may legitimately argue that the Cottagers' £100m summer spending spree has done more harm than good, given that their squad harmony appears to have been disrupted following the arrival of a dozen new faces, quality players do cost significant fees.

But with United having made a net profit during the previous window - a statistic which left manager Rafa Benitez exasperated - and having failed to spend more than £9.5m on a single player in the summer, the Magpies hierarchy are being strongly encouraged by supporters to loosen the purse strings.

Although Newcastle's position has improved dramatically over the past fortnight following back-to-back wins, which have lifted the Magpies from 20th to 14th, just four points separate the bottom seven sides in the Premier League after a dozen matches. A season-long relegation battle therefore still appears likely.

Benitez is keen to sign another striker, an attacking-midfielder and a left-back in the new year as a minimum, but Newcastle must contend with the January-window premium on prices.

No 10 Miguel Almiron, who the Magpies have tracked for 18 months, is a name Newcastle have considered making a move for - but, with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and West Ham United also believed to be interested in the Atalanta United midfielder, a price tag of £24m has been suggested. That would require Newcastle to smash their 13-and-a-half-year transfer record in order to sign the Paraguayan.

Senior sources at St James' Park insist Newcastle do have money to spend on the "right players", and that such funds were also there during the summer, too, but fans will remain sceptical until reinforcements arrive.

Should the Magpies be priced out of the market for permanent deals, Benitez may look to bring in further loan signings from abroad - as he did with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka last summer - given that Newcastle already have the maximum-permitted two domestic temporary signings on their books in Kenedy and Salomon Rondon.



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-claudio-ranieri-newcastle-united-15418501

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Fulham players at WAR... 'there's friction at the training ground' - reason why revealed
THERE is 'friction' at the Fulham training ground because key players have been turfed out for new arrivals, it's claimed.

Former Fulham defender Liam Rosenior says the way Slavisa Jokanovic has treated the stars that helped the club get promoted riled some members of the squad.

Fulham were among the Premier League's highest spenders in the summer following promotion from the Championship, shelling out approximately £100million to bolster their squad with the likes of Jean Michael Seri - previously linked with Barcelona - Andre Schurrle, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Alfie Mawson.

Not that it's worked. They are rock bottom of the table with just one win from 12 games - a record that has cost Jokanovic his job

"You look at Andre Zambo Anguissa or Jean Michael Seri, they were looking for those kind of players," Rosenior told Sky Sports. "When you throw players in, seven or eight players in together, it's not going to work straight away.

"When you've got players who have played well and performed well and it's their dream to play in the Premier League, all of a sudden it's taken away from them, at the training ground that's causing friction.

"Those players think 'what's the point of me working so hard for so many years to get in the Premier League, we get there and all of a sudden the club spend £120million on players that don't know the culture of the club and don't know the way we play'.

"Jokanovic as a fundamental way of playing and it takes time, it took him two years to get Fulham promoted playing that way.

"You can't throw players straight into it and expect them to mesh in and have success in one of the hardest Premier Leagues in the world."


Fulham news: There is 'friction' at the club's training ground (Image: GETTY)


Fulham appointed Claudio Ranieri as their new boss (Image: GETTY)

The tactic didn't work for Jokanovic, who departed on Wednesday with the club bottom of the Premier League following just five points from 12 games.

Claudio Ranieri has taken over and he has set his sights higher than mere survival after being given a "multi-year" contract.

Ranieri believes he has inherited a strong group of players and he is already looking up the table ahead of his first game in charge against fellow strugglers Southampton at Craven Cottage on November 24.

"The objective at Fulham should never be to merely survive in the Premier League. We must at all times be a difficult opponent and should expect to succeed," said Ranieri, who has had a spell in charge of Ligue 1 Nantes since leaving Leicester in February 2017.


Fulham spent big money on Jean Michael Seri (Image: GETTY)

"This Fulham squad has exceptional talent that is contrary to its position in the table. I know this team is very capable of better performances, which we will work on straight away as we prepare for Southampton."

Ranieri gained his first experience of the Premier League at Fulham's neighbours Chelsea, where he was in charge between 2000 and 2004, but it is the job he did at Leicester which will live in the memory.

The Italian overcame odds of 5,000-1 to steer the Foxes to the Premier League title, the only top-flight championship of his long managerial career. Several bookmakers are currently offering the same odds for Fulham to win the title this season.

Khan said: "Claudio is risk-free and ready-made for the Premier League, and particularly so for what we need at this moment at Fulham.

"His recent body of work with Leicester City is literally legendary, and then you look at Claudio's experience with Chelsea and big clubs throughout Europe, and it's pretty evident we are welcoming an extraordinary football man to Fulham Football Club."



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1045754/Fulham-news-Claudio-Ranieri-Slavisa-Jokanovic

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Fulham turns to Ranieri as boss

LONDON (AFP-Jiji) — Fulham appointed Italian veteran Claudio Ranieri as manager on Wednesday after sacking Slavisa Jokanovic in a bid to beat the drop from the Premier League.

Jokanovic led Fulham back into England's top flight in May 2018, but the 50-year-old Serbian has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League.

After 12 games, Fulham is at the bottom of the pile with just five points and one win from 12 games.

Ranieri, who famously led Leicester to a fairytale Premier League title in 2016, was a free agent after being sacked by French Ligue 1 club Nantes one game before the end of last season.

Fulham chairman Shahid Khan has given Ranieri a "multi-year" deal.

"It is an honor to accept Mr. Khan's invitation and opportunity to lead Fulham, a fantastic club with tradition and history," Ranieri told the club's official website.



http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0005349179

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Fulham Players Dominate Our USA All-Time Premier League XI Ahead Of England Match


Clint Dempsey was a sure-fire cert to make our USA team

Ahead of England taking on the United States of America in a Wayne Rooney-centric friendly at Wembley Stadium, The Sportsman takes a look at some of the very best Yanks who have graced these fair shores and competed at the top level of the English game. Our refusal to include Jozy Altidore up front should be greeted with appreciation far and wide.

GK: Tim Howard (Manchester United, Everton)

A casualty of Sir Alex Ferguson trying to replace the irreplaceable, Tim Howard eventually carved out a successful career for himself with Everton after Edwin van der Sar's arrival at Old Trafford, becoming one of the most respected goalkeepers in the Premier League. Howard spent a decade on Merseyside and made over 350 appearances for the Toffees.

DF: Jonathan Spector (Manchester United, Charlton Athletic, West Ham United)

Remembered rather fondly by the Hammers, perhaps his greatest moment in claret and blue came with a brace against his old club Manchester United in the EFL Cup quarter-finals in 2010 at Upton Park.

DF: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham)

The first of several Fulham players to feature on this list, 'The Jackal' is in joint-tenth for appearances for the US national team, earning over a century of caps and serving as skipper for six years. Helped the West London club narrowly stave off relegation in consecutive seasons.

DF: Tim Ream (Fulham)

Yes, this may be only his second season in the English top tier - coming seven years after his first with Bolton Wanderers - and the Cottagers may be floundering, but Ream was imperative in Fulham's return to the Premier League, missing only two games last season in the Championship and earning the title of Fulham's Player of the Season. Out for the start of the new campaign through back injury, and benched in his last two games, the 31-year-old should see chances more forthcoming under Claudio Ranieri.

DF: DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United)

The only player still selling his wares in the league, the rapid right-back may be suffering at struggling Newcastle United. However, fortunes may be changing, and the 25-year-old from Seattle can be imperative to that. Has featured in all but one game so far this season, and has even contributed a goal and an assist.

MF: John Harkes (Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest)

The only American - so far - to score in a League Cup final. For this reason alone, Harkes makes the list. What a career though, spending time at Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, West Ham United, and Nottingham Forest.

MF: Claudio Reyna (Sunderland, Manchester City)

Currently improving the grass-roots game back in the states, Reyna has maintained roots with Manchester City, where he spent three and a half seasons, by becoming director of football operations for one of the branches of their mahoosive conglomerate trunk, New York City FC.

F: Landon Donovan (Everton)

Although the Toffees only had Donovan for around 20 games, bringing the then-USA skipper to Goodison Park in the MLS off-season was seen as a masterstroke, with manager David Moyes acquiring the forward skipper on two separate loan occasions a season apart.

F: Clint Dempsey (Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur)

The first name that banged straight on this list, Dempsey could - at one point - stand shoulder to shoulder with the Premier League's very best. Joint highest goalscorer, alongside the aforementioned Donovan, for the national team, he was a Fantasy Football player's dream during his five year spell at Fulham. Also, has a bangin' rap career as his alter-ego 'Deuce'.

F: Brian McBride (Everton, Fulham)

The back-to-back recipient of Fulham's Player of the Season between 2005 and 2007, and their top scorer in the latter campaign.

Shout out to the best of the rest: Brad Friedel/ Kasey Keller/ Joe Max-Moore/ Cobi Jones/ DaMarcus Beasley



https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/fulham-players-dominate-our-usa-all-time-premier-league-xi-ahead-of-england-match

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Slavisa Jokanovic's key moments during his time as Fulham head coach

We've taken a look at a timeline of key events during the Serbians time in charge of the club

Slavisa Jokanovic's spell as Fulham head coach came to an end on Wednesday, just five months after leading the side to promotion to the Premier League.

The decision came after seven straight defeats, with Shahid Khan choosing to go for the services of Claudio Ranieri, the man who led Leicester City to the Premier League title in miraculous fashion.

It seems that the former head coach's fate was sealed after defeat to Huddersfield Town that left Fulham rock bottom of the Premier League table, with Fulham choosing to announce the news yesterday.

In a statement, the club admitted that they had spoken to a number of candidates on the job, with reports suggesting Arsene Wenger & Andre Villas-Boas were among the names that held talks, although it is understood Ranieri was the only man that was actually offered the role.

When Jokanovic took over in 2015, Fulham were facing a very real threat of relegation to League One, but he ensured the club survived before guiding them to the play-offs the following season, where they were beaten by Reading.


(Image: Barrington Coombs/PA)

The next season saw Fulham go on a 23-game unbeaten run before clinching promotion at Wembley by beating Aston Villa 1-0 thanks to a Tom Cairney goal - making the Serbian the first Fulham boss to win at the national stadium.

His spell at Craven Cottage will always be looked fondly on by fans - we've taken a look at his three years in charge of Fulham.

Slavisa Jokanovic's reign at Fulham

Deceber 27 2015: Jokanovic named Fulham head coach

Slavisa Jokanovic was appointed as Fulham boss after a long search for a new manager.

He joined Craven Cottage from Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv after leading them to the Champions League group stages for the first time in their history.

He arrived with the club in 18th place in the Championship, with his first task to keep the club in the division.
January 2 2016: Jokanovic's first game ends in defeat

Having watched his side beat Rotherham 4-1 from the stands, Jokanovic's Fulham lost 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday in his first game in charge.

Ross Wallace's 29th minute goal was enough for Wednesday to claim three points at Craven Cottage.

Jokanovic would have to wait another month for his first three points.

February 13 2016: Fulham pick up their first win under Jokanovic

Having dropped to 19th in the table, just four points off the relegation zone with no wins in five league games, Jokanovic finally got his first three points with a 3-1 win over QPR.

Ross McCormack, Tom Cairney and Mossa Dembele all scored within ten minutes of each other at Loftus Road to push the side up to 17th in the table.

Fulham would go on to end the season in 20th place, two spots and 11 points off the relegation zone.
August 20 2016: Jokanovic's first outburst with the club's recruitment

After an unbeaten start to the season and a 2-2 draw with Cardiff in August, Jokanovic had his first outburst on the club's recruitment policy.

It was the club's failure to sign a centre back that had particularly annoyed Jokanovic, and in the post match press conference he named dropped Craig Kline, one of the men responsible for the transfers.

He said: ""I don't think we need a striker but the position I want to improve is centre-back but this is not in my hands.

"I am not an important person in terms of recruitment, I have lost many players in the nine months behind me.

"Ask Craig Kline because I do not handle this side of the business, in the end the decision is not in my hands.

"I am not frustrated by I am a little bit surprised.

"He is a very important person in the club but nobody knows him.

"He should come from backstage and explain what we are doing in the football club."

It wouldn't be the last time this problem reared its head.
January 2017: Jokanovic announces Fulham isn't a train station

Chris Martin wanted to return to parent club Derby County leading to Jokanovic's infamous 'Fulham is not a train station' press conference.

In the end, Jokanovic won the battle and Martin stayed at Craven Cottage, helping the side get to the play-off semi finals.

Fulham went on a wonderful second half of the season, losing just five games as they gate crashed the play-offs playing the attractive football that Jokanovic's side became well known for.
February 2017: Jokanovic signs a contract extension

Having taken apart Bristol City in a 2-0 win, Jokanovic signed a contract extension at Fulham that would take him through until the summer of 2019.

Fulham had risen into seventh place and the play-offs were a real possibility.

At the time, Jokanovic said: "I have made no secret of my desire to stay at Fulham and to continue the project that we have started."

That project would continue into the next season, little did they know at that moment in time.
May 2017: Fulham lose in the play-off semi finals

Having stormed to the finish line of the season, winning five of their last six games with no defeats, Fulham lost in the play-off semi finals over two legs to Reading.

They drew the first game 1-1 thanks to a Tom Cairney equaliser, but a penalty ensured it was the Royals who would be going to Wembley.

Despite the transformation from the previous season being stark, it was a bitter pill to swallow for those connect to Fulham.

They'd be back next season, though.
July 2017: Jokanovic hits out at transfers again

Jokanovic slammed the club's recruitment again after the 3-0 defeat to Wolfsburg in pre-season, with him saying that selling Sone Aluko was something he felt was a mistake.

He also took the time to talk about Kline was once more, while stating that his list of targets had been 'completely ignored' by the transfer team.

Jokanovic's spell at Fulham will be remembered both for the football the side played, but also for these transfer outbursts every transfer window.
November 18 2017: Fulham drop to 17th

After the highs of the previous season, this campaign had not gone to plan for the club and a 2-2 draw with Derby saw Fulham drop to 17th.

They'd only won four times and Jokanovic's team selection, where he played youngster Tayo Edun in midfield and put Luca de la Torre, Mattias Kait and Steven Sessegnon on the bench, was a real message to the those behind the scenes at the club.

It would be the lowest position in the table the club would be that season, but not their lowest point.
December 16 2017 - Fulham lose to Sunderland

Calls for Jokanovic to be sacked grew louder after Fulham became the first team in a year to lose to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

They were in 12th and losing pace with the league's leaders at an alarming pace, and it looked like the attacking football of last season had been lost.

It looked an impossible task, but after defeat in the north east Fulham went on a staggering 23-game unbeaten run to finish in the play-off places.
January 2018 - Jokanovic's last transfer outburst

Despite there being no more Craig Kline, Jokanovic launched another transfer outburst over the lack of signings his side had made in January.

"No, this January I am really disappointed with the information around us.

"We don't have any clear targets and for the direction of the club, I have some information that we are strong enough to fight for the important targets.

"I don't believe this - at the end there are so many assistants and so many things, I am really disappointed with our situation and I expect the club will change their opinion.

"I don't know, if we don't have the money or don't want to spend the money, but we are not competitive enough for this period what is in front of us.

"Solution? I don't know, but probably if the coach doesn't trust that we are strong enough (but they feel we are), then probably an option that the club must be thinking about is sacking the coach and this can be a good option for the club."

Weeks later, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Cyrus Christie and Matt Targett arrived at the club to strengthen them for the run-in.
May 2018 - Fulham win promotion

Fulham finally won at Wembley as Jokanovic led the side to play-off final victory, beating Aston Villa 1-0.

A 23-game unbeaten run, which was ended on the final day of the season by Birmingham City that scuppered hopes of automatic promotion, ensured the side finished third in the table and were rightly promoted at the national stadium.

The picture of Jokanovic hoisting the play-off trophy into the Wembley air will be remembered by fans forever.
August 11 2018: Fulham's first game back in the Premier League

Jokanovic took charge of his first Premier League game against Crystal Palace, despite being the first foreign manager to get two teams promoted to the top division.

They lost 2-0, with Jokanovic having to field a new back five due to injuries, suspension and players leaving in the summer.

The tinkering was a sign of things to come in the Premier League for Jokanovic, who couldn't settle on a back four or a team from his new players.
August 26 2018: Jokanovic wins his only Premier League game

Unfortunately for Jokanovic, the 4-2 win over Burnley in August was the only victory the head coach managed to get in the Premier League.

Jean-Michael Seri got the side off to a great start, while Mitrovic netted twice with Andre Schurrle adding the extras.

Warning signs were there though - the two goals they conceded were from defensive problems and those problems would plague Jokanovic's final few months in charge.
November 5 2018: Fulham slump to the bottom of the table

Fulham were beaten 1-0 by Huddersfield in front of the Sky cameras and slumped to the bottom of the Premier League.

It was a sixth defeat in a row in all competitions for Jokanovic and one that put the writing on the wall for his future at the club.

The performance was abject and in a must-win game, made Shahid Khan take a decision that the future was Jokanovic-less.

His last game came against Liverpool a week later, but despite an encouraging performance in a 2-0 defeat, the decision had already been made to part ways with Jokanovic.
November 14 2018: Jokanovic is sacked by Fulham

Only five months on from that day at Wembley, Jokanovic was sacked by Fulham via a telephone call on the morning the side announced that Claudio Ranieiri was the new manager.

With no win in seven, Khan made the decision to part ways with the Serbian after just under three years at Craven Cottage having won just one of his 12 games in the Premier League games.

And with that, he became the first managerial casualty of the season and the Jokanovic chapter of Fulham was closed.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/slavisa-jokanovics-key-moments-during-15419642

[WhiteJC]

 
Premier League: Plugging holes in Fulham's leaky defence a priority, says newly appointed manager Claudio Ranieri

Finding a way to plug Fulham's leaky defence is the priority for the Premier League side's new manager Claudio Ranieri after the Italian took over a team at the bottom of the standings on five points from 12 matches.

The 67-year-old replaced Slavisa Jokanovic on Wednesday after Fulham, who have conceded a Premier League-high 31 goals this season, lost patience with the Serb, with Ranieri saying the entire team needed to pull together to escape their plight.

"As an Italian manager, for us the defensive way is the best for the team," Ranieri, a former Chelsea and Roma manager who masterminded Leicester City's fairytale title win in 2016, said in an interview on Fulham's website.

"It is important to have a strong vision of the defence. Not just the full backs or goalkeeper, all the team," he added.
Ranieri's title-winning season at Leicester was built on a solid defensive platform with a squad willing to scrap for every point, and the Italian is keen to instil similar values at the London club.

"For me, team spirit is important but I know there is a good group. The fighting spirit is very important... I hope our fans push us and we need their strength. We need their support always. We will never give up," he added.

Fulham host fellow strugglers Southampton on 24 November after the Premier League resumes following the international break.



https://www.firstpost.com/sports/premier-league-plugging-holes-in-fulhams-leaky-defence-a-priority-says-newly-appointed-manager-claudio-ranieri-5557201.html

[WhiteJC]

 
'He'd be excellent for Reading' – 50-y/o as potential Paul Clement replacement: The verdict

With Slaviša Jokanović now back on the managerial merry-go-round following his sacking by Fulham, any managers of struggling Championship clubs will be on red alert and fearful for their job's, wondering if their Chairman will be considering bringing the Serb to their club.

Reading are a case in point, with beleaguered manager Paul Clement struggling to get a tune out of the Royals and finding them languishing down in 17th place in the Championship, with only 16 points to show for 17 starts this season.

But would Jokanovic be a good appointment for Reading?

We discuss.....

Jay Taylor

I can see the upside to this if it were to happen, but I think there are bigger and better teams that will be able to coax Slavisa Jokanovic to their squad before Reading get the chance to speak to him.

It does seem like the ideal job like when he took over at Fulham, there are indeed similarities there, and I have no doubt he would do an infinitely better job than Paul Clement has done or ever will do.

Gary Hutchinson

Yes, he'd be excellent for Reading.

He'd be a good appointment for anyone in the Championship.

He proved that last season.

He's tactically aware and should have had more time at Craven Cottage.

George Harbey

I think he'd a be great appointment.

He plays good football, he's successful at his level, and would get the best out of his players.

Reading should act fast and part company with Clement.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/hed-be-excellent-for-reading-50-y-o-as-potential-paul-clement-replacement-the-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

 
Southampton fans see home truths as Fulham sack Jokanovic, hire Ranieri

Southampton are struggling in the Premier League under Mark Hughes, but that does not seem to cloud the board's judgment who still see the Welshman as the right man for the job.

The Saints sit just a goal outside the relegation zone after a torrid start to the season in which they have failed to score enough goals – just eight in 12 Premier League games – and keep the opposition out – the Saints have also conceded 21 times – which has resulted in just one win and eight points.

Fellow lowly club Fulham, meanwhile, have been proactive in a search for a change of fortunes as the club sits rock-bottom of the league on five points.

Like Southampton, the Cottagers had won just once heading into the November internationals but a worse defensive record saw Slavisa Jokanovic's side concede a league-high 31 times.

From dazzling in the Championship with great attacking football to just one win in 12 led Fulham's owner Shahid Khan to fire the manager as he brought in the 'tinkerman' Claudio Ranieri.

The Italian's first game in charge of the London side? Yes, it's against Southampton on November 24 and the Saints may find themselves in the bottom three with a defeat.

Southampton fans have been reacting to the change in leadership at Craven Cottage as the news brought a lot of home truths for the Saints...



https://www.footballfancast.com/premier-league/southampton/southampton-fans-see-home-truths-as-fulham-sack-jokanovic-hire-ranieri

[WhiteJC]

 
Ranieri in, Jokanović out – not a gamble, but a necessity

The most surprising element of Slaviša Jokanović's seemingly inevitable sacking is just how surprising a development it has ended up being.

Despite Fulham sitting bottom of the table, having conceded 31 goals in 12 games, the club's owner Shahid Khan gave Jokanović his full backing only three Premier League matches ago – hours before their chastening 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth. In contrast to that humbling experience, the defeat to Liverpool on Saturday seemed a positive for the club and for the under-fire manager. Although the team lost 2-0 and struggled to put up much of a fight in the second half, they gave Liverpool plenty of problems in the first half, missing some great chances, staying resolute at the back (for maybe the first time this season) and ultimately being unlucky to have the offside flag raised for Aleksander Mitrovic's goal. It was a defeat, but an improvement, and perhaps the decision would have been more understandable or at least more immediately deserved a few weeks ago.

However, Slaviša Jokanović can have no complaints. However fantastic his Fulham side were in the Championship, with their excellent style of play and attacking menace, he dramatically failed to adapt the team to the rigours of the Premier League despite spending over 100 million pounds on new players in the summer transfer window. Suddenly and quite explosively, panic seemed to infect both Jokanović and his players, with the players suffering numerous and collective mental breakdowns, while the manager was changing the side in unexpected ways every week. Highlights of Jokanović's changes being a disastrous switch to a back-three which allowed Arsenal to swarm over them in a 5-1 defeat, the constant switching in the right-back position from a clumsy Timothy Fosu-Mensah to an unbelievably lazy Cyrus Christie, or even at Liverpool where Calum Chambers, deployed in an unusual defensive midfield position, should have been sent off second half. Against Bournemouth, in a 3-0 defeat which perhaps should have been Jokanović's final game, the defence seemed entirely uninterested in fulfilling their roles professionally – for David Brooks' goal which made it 2-0 to Bournemouth Fulham's left and right backs were stranded together on the left wing, defensive midfielder Kevin McDonald was the furthest player back for his team and centre-back Denis Odoi had barely passed the halfway line when the ball hit the back of the net.

Jokanović described his players as 'scared' after their horrendous performance at Huddersfield but it scarcely matters now. Jokanović is out and now the club will begin a journey to find out if he was the problem after all – the club will have to hope that he is the only man they will have to fire before the end of the season.

Subsequently, what a fascinating job this leaves for Claudio Ranieri and what an interesting choice he is for the role. Recently, yet briefly, back in the English media's glare thanks to his contribution to the tributes left to recently deceased Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, he is now back full-time in the Premier League. A lesser miracle needs to be performed with Fulham and although there is much doom and gloom around the club and in the same vein the media's perception of the club, it is genuinely hard to predict whether Ranieri will find this a difficult experience.

Despite their horrendous form Fulham are remarkably only three points away from safety (a fact that does not reflect well on the rest of the division) – it is so important that the hierarchy have made this change before they truly became cut adrift from their rivals. There is no doubt in anybody's mind that this is clearly a talented squad of players; the problem for the entirety of the season has been not only Jokanović's inability to organise them defensively in a basic sense but also his well-publicised changing of the guard, an uprooting of the tactical system and starting personnel which led to consistently disjointed performances, where the team played on multiple occasions as if they had only just met each other that very afternoon.

Although Ranieri developed a reputation for being 'The Tinkerman' when in charge of Chelsea, his two years at Leicester showcased his ability to sharply recognise the best defenders in his squad and to consistently rely on them as a solid unit. The back-four partnership of Fuchs, Morgan, Huth and Simpson were the foundation for Leicester winning the league, helped of course by the constant protection of midfield marvel N'Golo Kante and what is important now is that Ranieri is unlikely to make the same mistake as Jokanović. It would be surprising if the new boss did not identify the best defensive players at Fulham quickly and go about making them a consistent and well-organised group at the back. Despite their well-documented inability to keep a single clean sheet this season, the league may be surprised by how good these players can be, with a simple dose of organisation and confidence.

Ranieri immediately feels like a good choice, a decision made with research having been done and without the usual smattering of panic that so many clubs in this position find themselves having. It would have been easy for the club to turn to a perhaps more reliable choice – Sam Allardyce for example – to ensure that the defensive problems were fixed and that survival was, judging by that manager's recent history, guaranteed. Such appointments though are a quick-fix that fans often become tired of, with the club losing an identity in order to keep the millions that the Premier League offers. In contrast, Ranieri perhaps offers a more long-term vision. Although he hasn't stayed at a club for more than two years for quite a long time now, he has every chance of stamping an identity onto the club. Leicester's brilliant counter-attacking philosophy may not have necessarily started with Ranieri but it is now associated with him and that title-winning season, and such incisive counter-attacking play from that same team has been seen as recently as this very season, two managers later.

Ranieri may not play the same expansive and attacking football that Jokanović was known for, but perhaps, in a more cynical line of thinking, Ranieri is not foolish enough to do so. Ranieri is smart, has an infectious personality and, crucially, comes to the club at the time where although crisis has struck, it is a crisis that can be rectified with making up a three-point gap. For all of the criticism that Fulham have garnered recently, for all of the goals they have conceded and for however 'scared' they have looked, do not be surprised to see their fortunes turn around very quickly.



https://90maat.com/2018/11/15/ranieri-in-jokanovic-out-not-a-gamble-but-a-necessity/

[WhiteJC]

 
Is Claudio Ranieri the right choice for Fulham?

Rock bottom of the league with just 12 games gone and now the owners of Fulham have decided to change their manager. Slaviša Jokanović is the first victim of the managerial merry go round and he has been replaced instantly by non-other than Claudio Ranieri; who actually made Jokanović his first signing during his time at Chelsea. However, can his positive attitude change the negative attitude around Craven Cottage?

It has been a tough reintroduction to the Premier League for Fulham when things started brightly for them. Although they fell to defeats to Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City they were showing positive signs that they showed in the Championship. However, since the loss to Everton at the end of September they have fallen to six successive defeats.

These defeats have not just been unlucky defeats, they have been clear-cut especially the 5-1 loss at home to Arsenal. The big hammer blows were the 4-2 loss to Cardiff and the 1-0 loss to Huddersfield Town. Two sides that if Fulham is to stay in the division they have to be beating.

So the curtain has been closed on Jokanović and the London club have welcomed former Chelsea and Leicester City boss Ranieri in his place; in what has been a very quick appointment. Sometimes it can be a knee-jerk reaction to sack a manager but this seems like the right decision. Jokanoivć has done the club proud by bringing attacking football and a return to the Premier League but it looks like he has found his level with his brand of football.

Ranieri is one who likes to play attacking football as well, with his fast and furious title winning Leicester side. With the likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez causing havoc for the opposition for them the question will remain can he do the same with the current breed at Craven Cottage?

The Italian has been out of work since he was sacked in May 2018 by Nantes after what can only be described as an average display with the French side. But his return to the Premier League has brought excitement for Fulham fans and even neutrals because of his eccentric style and fast football.

It will be hard for him to recreate the heroics, near on impossible, he experienced at Leicester but having managed 17 different sides in a 30-year career he brings bags of experience and a know-how of the Premier League that many managers lack.

It is expected that Ranieri will bring his own backroom staff in as these are men he has worked with before and trusts. However, Scott Parker is expected to stay on at the club. Owner, Shahid Khan will be hoping he has made the right decision and with plenty of time left in the season to turn it around with a fresh start, I am sure that Ranieri will guide Fulham out of trouble this season. So hopefully for Fulham fans, he will be shouting "We are in the Premier League, Dilly ding, dilly dong!"



https://www.sportscourant.com/is-claudio-ranieri-the-right-choice-for-fulham.html