Sunday Fulham Stuff (25/11/18)...

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Cottage Talk Full Time - The Claudio Ranieri Era Begins With A Fulham Victory
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.


Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

In this episode, we shared our "initial reactions" to Fulham's 3-2 victory against Southampton. Co-host Max Cohen shared his thoughts on the win, along with Emilio Di Nello and Rob Elliott, who were both at Craven Cottage for this victory.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/11/24/18110153/cottage-talk-full-time-the-claudio-ranieri-era-begins-with-a-fulham-victory

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Mitrovic brace gives Ranieri a dream start

A timely double from Aleksandar Mitrovic handed Claudio Ranieri a dream start to life at Craven Cottage as Fulham sneaked past Southampton in a five-goal thriller this afternoon.

Ranieri promised a more pragmatic style of football after replacing Slavisa Jokanovic with the aim of keeping Fulham in the Premier League and, whilst his new side looked defensively secure, their first victory in three months owed plenty to the attacking philosophy that the Serbian imbued in SW6. Their equaliser, after Stuart Armstrong had punished some slack defending, came from a flowing seven pass move down the left flank and Fulham's third arrived after Cyrus Christie had surged deep into Southampton territory.

In such an open contest, it was likely that both sides' defensive frailties would be severely examined. Fulham were indebted to another outstanding display of goalkeeping from Sergio Rico, who produced a splendid double save to deny Armstrong and Manolo Gabbiadini in quick succession, and continued to repel wave after wave of Southampton attacks. He could do little about their opening goal, when both Tom Cairney and Jean-Michael Seri switched off, allowing Nathan Redmond to reach Matt Targett's throw. The winger was the visitors' most potent threat all afternoon and, although Maxime Le Marchand got a touch to his cross, Armstrong tucked away a clinical finish.

Too often this season Fulham heads had dropped decisively after they had gone behind. It was the youngest member of the side, Ryan Sessegnon, who provided a spark with a determined run from midfield and a powerful shot that flew just over the bar. The teenager was heavily involved in the equaliser just after the half hour. Southampton stood off Sessegnon and he found Cairney, whose clever pass released Le Marchand, who has often appeared a reluctant left back. This time the Frenchman galloped right to the byline and produced a splendid cross which Mitrovic stooped to guide into the far corner.

Young Sessegnon was far from finished. He produced a tremendous run down the left, bamboozling Cedric Soares in the process. and delivered the perfect low cross for Andre Schurrle to tap Fulham in front at the back post. The ten minute turn around represented the first time that the Whites had led since going 2-0 up at Brighton on September 1st – and we all know how that ended.

The home side were penned back in the early stages of the second half as Southampton pushed forward. Ranieri's men almost grabbed a third on the break when Mitrovic's powerful low drive was expertly saved by McCarthy and the Saints went straight up the other end to equalise. A poor defensive header from Sessegnon allowed Soares to flick the ball into the path of Armstrong just outside the box and the Scot drove a thumping finish beyond even Rico's grasp.

Once again, the desire of the league's bottom side could have been called into question. Instead, Fulham stepped up the intensity and fought for every ball. Their determination was typified by Schurrle chasing a lost cause to the corner flag and forcing a frenzied clearance from Wesley Hoedt, which fell kindly for Christie. The Republic of Ireland international then deftly beat his man and swung over a high cross that was smartly flicked on by Sessegnon for Mitrovic at the back post. The Serbian swiftly readjusted his feet and volleyed splendidly into the bottom corner, leaving McCarthy rooted to the spot.

There was still nearly half an hour for Fulham to hang on – and the finale was terrifying and gripping in equal measure. Southampton rallied and probably should have claimed a point. Rico made two further excellent reaction stops, beating out a volley from Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and then somehow foiled substitute Michael Obafemi, when he looked certain to score. In between, Obafemi somehow scooped a shot over the bar into the Putney End having beaten Le Marchand to a through ball. Five minutes of stoppage time seemed like a lifetime before Rico clung onto another Højbjerg effort and Michael Oliver finally called time on proceedings.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Rico; Christie, Le Marchand, Odoi, Mawson; Chambers, Seri (Johansen 68); Schurrle (Kamara 74), R. Sessegnon, Cairney; Mitrovic (Ayite 86). Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Ream, Bryan, Kebano.

BOOKED: Mawson, Johansen.

GOALS: Mitrovic (32, 63), Schurrle (42).

SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1): McCarthy; Soares, Targett, Yoshida, Hoedt; Lemina, Højbjerg; Gabbiadini, Redmond, Armstrong (Obafemi 81); Austin (Elyounoussi 68). Subs (not used): Gunn, Vestergaard, Stephens, Davis, Ward-Prowse.

BOOKED: Hoedt, Højbjerg, Obafemi.

GOALS: Armstrong (18, 53).

REFEREE: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).

ATTENDANCE: 24,603.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/11/mitrovic-brace-gives-ranieri-a-dream-start/

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Ranieri delighted with Fulham's fighting spirit

Claudio Ranieri was delighted with Fulham's fighting spirit after the Whites shrugged off the setback of conceding an early goal to beat Southampton and move off the bottom of the Premier League table.

The Italian admitted that his first game in charge of his new side was an emotional moment, but professed himself pleased with the focus and desire of his players. Ranieri felt that his team had made 'little steps' in terms of improving some of the problems that have dogged their faltering start to life back in the top flight, but recognised that Fulham's first victory for more than three months will lift morale around the club.

He told his post-match press conference:

    For me to come back to the Premier League is emotional. For me to come to Fulham is emotional. Emotions were high. It was an important match, and everybody is pleased, but it's a little step – it's not an easy job. I was waiting for this kind of match and it was very difficult. Southampton are a good team, and we're in a bad position. We suffered a lot, but I'm very pleased with my players because they never gave up and fought.

    We wanted to win, we showed very good fighting spirit, and our energy levels were high. I asked the players to fight until the end. After the first goal, I wanted to see our reaction and it was amazing. I'm very pleased with our fans too, they supported us until the end.

Ranieri was disappointed with the amount of scoring opportunities the Whites offered Southampton and lavished praise on Spanish goalkeeper Sergio Rico who pulled off a number of outstanding saves.

    We played a good match but gave too many chances to our opponents. Of course, I want a clean sheet and want to improve our defensive work. The whole team has to maintain the right position. I always want more. Rico had to make too many saves and I don't like it when our goalkeeper has to work too much.

He also had high praise for Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose double eventually proved decisive, and scotched any suggestions that the former Newcastle forward wouldn't fit into his long-term plans.

    For me, Mitrovi? is one of the best strikers in Europe. He's only 24 and I think he can improve more and more. At the end of the season, you'll see how many goals he'll score.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/11/ranieri-delighted-with-fulhams-fighting-spirit/

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Claudio Ranieri & Mark Hughes: What next for the Premier League bosses?


Claudio Ranieri's managerial regime at Fulham started with a victory over Southampton

Claudio Ranieri and Mark Hughes both knew exactly what was riding on Fulham's meeting with Southampton - and the contrasts could not have been clearer as they trudged across Craven Cottage at the conclusion of a rollercoaster encounter.

Ranieri, the 67-year-old Italian who won legendary status after topping the Premier League at Leicester City, had a spring in his step - accompanied by the sound of elated Fulham fans - following his side's 3-2 win.

Hughes, meanwhile, looked like a man walking closer to the precipice.

So what does the future hold for one manager at the start of his reign and another shrouded in speculation that he may be nearing the end of his time on the managerial throne?

Ranieri realises the size of his task
Claudio Ranieri has spent the early days of his Fulham supremacy - albeit a start interrupted by an international break - repeatedly working on enforcing his philosophy with a squad that had lost its way under his predecessor, Slavisa Jokanovic.

One of his main early messages has been unity of purpose, building the team not just on the field but off it too - a point illustrated by the fact he went around all the departments at Fulham with his staff on his first day to make his formal introductions.

Fulham's players have been given a video run-through of recent games and the message is clear: Fulham must be more organised and harder to beat.

And Ranieri will be repeating his mantra until it is fully understood by every squad member at their Motspur Park training headquarters. Repetition will become a buzz-word.

Ranieri, it is understood, believes there is genuine quality in Fulham's squad but he must apply the sort of structure and organisation that has been a trademark throughout his career, with winning ugly being perfectly acceptable if it achieves the short term goal of safety.

And while this win could hardly be described as 'ugly', it wasn't too pretty either, leaving Ranieri to cut a not wholly satisfied figure when he addressed the media at his post-match briefing.

"This is not an easy job," he said. "We played well but conceded too many chances to the opposition. We have to improve a lot. We have to improve tactically."

He had a point.

For 25 minutes Fulham were over-run by Southampton, but the man who insists his players "will fight and never give up" was provided with some evidence that this part of his message is already hitting home.

Fulham answered the setback of going behind, then losing a lead to scrap in a manner rarely seen this season. And while Southampton may feel the result treats them harshly, Ranieri was not complaining.

The boss spoke of "little steps", and this was the first one on a long road to recovery for Fulham.

Fulham remain in the relegation zone, but there was a much healthier and happier feeling around Craven Cottage after only their second league win of the season.

Should Southampton stick or twist?
"We are in the business of winning football matches," said Southampton Mark Hughes as he reflected on a setback that will heat up the debate about his future.

Hughes, however, is not in the business of winning football matches and has the scorecard to prove it.

He has a dismal record of three wins from 21 league games since he succeeded Mauricio Pellegrino, and Southampton are now on a sequence of no wins in nine league matches this season.

Hughes was on the mark when he claimed Southampton could have got something from this game, as for periods they matched Fulham and more. But the devil was in the detail as he lamented his lot post-match.

"Unfortunately this has been the story of our season," he said. "There have been five or six games when we have been the better team, more dominant, had more shots but end up without the points."

In the worst sort of way, a pattern is emerging.

The problem, as Slavisa Jokanovic discovered at Fulham, is that hard luck stories lose their lustre when a board senses the threat of relegation.

Southampton have just eight points from 13 games, the same as Cardiff City and Fulham just below them in the relegation places.

And the jeopardy for Hughes is Southampton show no sign of getting the points they need. Even if they are playing as well as he suggests, the Saints board were accused of leaving it too late - almost fatally so - before making a managerial change last season.

They may not be quite so patient this season.

Hughes has played the game and knows the rules, saying: "There are always questions - noise as I call it - when people question your position and your work. We have to accept them if results aren't what you want them to be.

"At times it is a bit unfair because sometimes it builds and people smell blood, go after it and paint it in a different light than it is. It is the world we live in and the world I operate in, but it doesn't faze me."

Hughes was in a defiant mood but reality dictates that this result places him under serious pressure and at the mercy of the patience of Southampton's hierarchy.

The desire for change is already in evidence at Southampton, with vice-chairman Les Reed leaving the club in early November after eight years as part of "constructive action" to provide a new direction and drive amid a review of the club's football operation. Technical director Martin Hunter was another departure.

Fulham decided to twist when they dispensed with Jokanovic, who took them in to the Premier League, and brought in Ranieri.

Hughes must hope Southampton take a different route and stick. But with every loss - especially to a relegation rival - and extension of their poor run, he will know the temptation will increase.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46331373

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What Claudio Ranieri changed to steer Fulham to victory over Southampton

Getting the most out of Ryan Sessegnon, making Aleksandar Mitrovic believe again and instilling fighting spirit - we look at how Claudio Ranieri masterminded a 3-2 victory over Southampton in his first game in charge.

He is no stranger to a relegation dogfight, but the task Ranieri undertook at Fulham was a daunting one. Only five clubs in Premier League history who garnered six points or fewer after 12 games have stayed up and, to make their situation seem more desperate, Fulham had lost six in a row in all competitions before Slavisa Jokanovic was relieved of his duties.

Undeterred, Ranieri insisted he is the right man for the job, and has a plan to guide Fulham to Premier League safety.

It has all got off to a positive start with a thrilling success over Southampton at Craven Cottage, but just how did Ranieri inspire his team - who had not scored a goal since October 20 - to a crucial three points? We take a look...

Pulled Sessegnon wide to utilise his strengths

Sessegnon, it is safe to say, has not lived up to the burgeoning reputation that followed him from the Championship so far this season. A host of top clubs were reportedly courting the 18-year-old, before he penned a new deal at Craven Cottage.

One goal and one assist from 10 Premier League starts certainly represents something of a slow start, but against Saints, Sessegnon helped himself to two assists, and proved to be a general menace all afternoon.

He benefited from being deployed in a much wider position. A look at the average position data in the recent defeats at home to Bournemouth and away at Cardiff shows Sessegnon taking up a central role, where he cannot utilise his skillset in such a congested area.

Against Southampton, Ranieri ensured Sessegnon stayed wide, and pushed up the pitch, higher and wider than he has played all season. With confidence low, getting Sessegnon one v one was imperative, and Ranieri did just that at Craven Cottage.

His assist for Mitrovic's equaliser will give him the world of confidence to take the attack to the opposition, and with such a myriad of opponent-beating ability, expect his goal-contribution stats to continue to improve.

Got Mitrovic to believe again

Life at Fulham could not have begun better for Mitrovic. Four goals in his first four games ensured the Fulham faithful quickly had a new hero, but such highs were shortlived, as the goals dried up, dramatically.

Before his header to level things up against Southampton, Mitrovic had gone 585 minutes without a league goal, but perhaps Ranieri's lofty opinion of Mitrovic rubbed off on the Serbia international at Craven Cottage.

"For me Mitrovic is one of the best strikers in Europe. When I say Europe, let's say the world," Ranieri eulogised after the match. "He's only 24 years old, he's a fantastic player."

Mitrovic's two brilliantly-taken goals against Southampton were not the finishes of a man shorn of confidence, with his first header guided home with perfection, before his volleyed winner stunned the masses in west London. Ranieri's positivity, which he is noted for, has already revitalised a striker in desperate need of goals. Another goalscoring run could now be in the offing as a result.

Fight, fight, fight

There are some very simple techniques adopted by many a great leader to drill the message into their respective charges, and wily old Ranieri is no stranger to such tactics.

"We must battle hard," Ranieri said in his programme notes. "I try to improve the fighting spirit of the players. In our position, quality is not enough. Combining quality with fighting spirit, we can do a good job. We need to get to work right now."

Fulham splashed the cash in the summer, but brought in some real quality players, pipping plenty of high-profile clubs to the signing of Jean Michael Seri for example. But the problem has not been a lack of quality, more that as soon as they fell behind in a game, capitulation would follow. Nothing to do with quality, just simple fighting spirit.

Ranieri identified this area of weakness straight away and mentioned it in almost every interview he did this week, before hammering home the message in his programme notes.

And the message certainly got through to his players. When Southampton took the lead, Fulham raised their game, and got angry. They still had to hold on at the end, but every player was behind the ball in stoppage time, throwing themselves in the way for the cause. It is such an easy thing to overlook, but in a game of such fine margins, those willing to do battle could well win the day.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11562871/what-claudio-ranieri-changed-to-steer-fulham-to-victory-over-southampton