Tuesday Fulham Stuff (23/11/10)...

[WhiteJC]

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6522266/Gera-We-must-stick-together?

Gera: We must stick together

Zoltan Gera insists Fulham will not push the panic button even though they are hovering dangerously close to the Premier League drop zone.

Sunday's 4-1 home hammering by Manchester City leaves the Cottagers clinging to safety only thanks to a superior goal difference over Wigan.

As Christmas approaches, with all the negative statistics that come with it for the teams at the bottom, Gera knows improvement needs to come swiftly.

Yet such is the nature of this bizarre season that a couple of wins can push Mark Hughes' men up towards the European places. And that is what Gera has his eyes on, not the scrap further down.

"I am sure we will not panic," said the 31-year-old.

"If we do that it is not good for the team.

"We need to stick together. The league is so tight at the moment, we still have time to pick points up and get out of this zone.

"I am confident. We know we can do much better and we will do much better in the next two games."

It does seem bizarre that Fulham should be looking anxiously over their shoulders even though they have only lost four matches, the same number as Chelsea and Arsenal, who remain in the top three.

Fulham's problem is their large percentage of drawn games, caused by a paltry tally of just 14 goals in as many Premier League games.

Bobby Zamora's injury is clearly a major factor in the downturn from last season, although Gera does not feel it tells the whole story.

"I don't know why we have struggled so badly," he admitted.

"It is difficult to understand because we have chances. We are creating them but have not scored enough.

"We need to work on that, then hopefully, this bad luck will turn round."

In their present situation, Fulham certainly cannot afford to be conceding early goals, as they did yesterday, although they do realise they will not meet sides as effective as City were every week.

Nevertheless, it is fairly obvious no-one can be taken for granted this season, with next weekend's opponents, Birmingham, capable of climbing out of the relegation zone themselves by beating Chelsea on Saturday.

"I don't know why we started so flat," said Gera.

"The preparation has been exactly the same this season but sometimes it happens.

"We need to forget this game and do better in the next one, which is going to be very important.

"We must pick up some points to get out of the relegation zone."

[WhiteJC]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6522393,00.html?

Gera - Fulham won't panic
Midfielder feels next two games are of big importance

Zoltan Gera has called on Fulham to 'stick together' and is confident that panic will not set in at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference following Sunday's 4-1 home defeat by Manchester City and have won just twice in 14 Premier League games this season.

The Cottagers face Birmingham City and Arsenal in their next two matches and Gerais staying upbeat regarding the team's prospects.

"I am sure we will not panic," said the 31-year-old. "If we do that it is not good for the team.

"We need to stick together. The league is so tight at the moment, we still have time to pick points up and get out of this zone.

"I am confident. We know we can do much better and we will do much better in the next two games."

Struggled

Fulham have lost the same number of games as title challengers Arsenal and Chelsea, but have been held back by drawing eight times in the league.

Hungarian midfielder Gera also pointed to the lack of goals as a cause for the current situation with only 14 scored and Fulham missing key striker Bobby Zamora.
Gera added: "I don't know why we have struggled so badly.

"It is difficult to understand because we have chances. We are creating them, but have not scored enough.

"We need to work on that, then hopefully, this bad luck will turn round."

[WhiteJC]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/11/22/to-the-right-to-the-right-everything-you-own-in-a-box-to-the-right/?

To the right, to the right, everything you own in a box to the right
Filed under: Analysis — timmyg @ 6:55 pm
Not to take any shine off the birth of Rich's son, and there's a very large congrats coming from Charm City, but Zonal Marking put up a nice piece about yesterday's annihilation.

Their first half dominance was all about passing around Fulham. 257 passes to Fulham's 141 tells the story, and the extra man in midfield was a key feature. Add Tevez and Silva moving into the midfield, and City simply found it much easier to keep the ball – they were compact, passing options were always on, whereas Fulham found it difficult to get the ball from midfield to attack swiftly.

Now, compare that with the formations image they provide and you'll see why yesterday was so rough from the onset. And they even draw comparisons between that Australia/Germany game with yesterday, i.e. City's 4-2-3-1 greatly exploiting our 4-4-2. (Say, didn't I write about how Villa tried this, successfully, not too long ago?)

The report, replete with chalkboards, also delves into the inclusion of Jo (a severe sore spot for me — not only were we getting hosed, but a true Milk Carton Extrodinaire in Jo was playing and playing well) as an outlet for Joe Hart's clearances and such. But if you go back and look at the passing charts for the goalies of Fulham's opponents, they almost all favor focusing on Fulham's right side.



Scott Carson aside, there seems to be a lot of evidence suggesting this is more than just Mancini's thinking. Others are obviously doing it, I'm just not entirely sure why.

Are they picking on Chris Baird? Is it because Salcido gets so high up on the left? Are keeper's just right footed?

[WhiteJC]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1332176/Fulham-keeping-tabs-5m-Senegal-striker-Demba-Cisse.html?

Fulham keeping tabs on £5m Senegal striker Demba Cisse

Fulham are monitoring Freiburg striker Demba Cisse.

The 25-year-old Senegal international only moved from Metz in January but has been in great form scoring 16 goals in just 29 appearances, including ten this term.


In demand: Fulham are interested in the Senegal international Demba Cisse

Although Freiburg are unlikely to let him go in January, Fulham have kept a keen eye on him in recent weeks.

They have watched Demba three times this season, and will have to fork out around £5million for him.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1332176/Fulham-keeping-tabs-5m-Senegal-striker-Demba-Cisse.html#ixzz165WrORiF

[WhiteJC]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-monitoring-freiburg's-cisse-1270041?

Fulham monitoring Freiburg's Cisse

Fulham are believed to be keen on SC Freiburg striker Papiss Demba Cisse.

The 25-year old Senegal international has netted 10 goals in 13 German Bundesliga matches so far this term, prompting the Cottagers to follow him closely.

The London club have sent scouts to watch Cisse three times this term and will continue to keep tabs on his performances despite the fact that Freiburg will probably not let him go in the January transfer window.

Reports suggest that Cisse will cost Fulham around £5million if they want to bring him to Craven Cottage.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2010/11/premiership/hughes-wants-to-borrow-harrys-bentley

HUGHES WANTS TO BORROW HARRY'S BENTLEY

Fulham boss Mark Hughes is looking to raid Tottenham this January in order to re-unite himself with David Bentley.

There is talk of the move initially being a loan till the end of the season with the potential to become a permanent fixture, if both parties agree a fee.

Hughes managed the right winger in a 2 year stint at Blackburn Rovers earlier in his career, and ideally wouldn't have lost the player to Spurs.

Bentley, 26, has since fallen foul of the high profile names that have been brought to White Hart Lane in order to build on last seasons Champions League qualification.

He was allegedly set to leave Spurs on the last day of the previous transfer window but the protracted nature of Rafael van der Vaarts transfer into the club meant he missed his chance. Bentley now finds himself behind Aaron Lennon and van der Vaart in Redknapps pecking order.

Bentley was once described as having the potential to be England's 'new David Beckham' but, has always struggled to remain consistent with his form which, has often fluctuated from the sublime to the ridiculous at times.

Bentley has undoubted quality from set plays and has the ability to hurt opponents with his crossing but you would feel if he has aspirations of adding to his 7 England caps he needs to remove himself from Aaron Lennon's shadow.

Hughes unquestionably got the best form of his career out of Bentley in their time at Blackburn, and will be hoping that the wideman can replicate that good form in a Fulham side who find themselves languishing in 17th place in the Premiership.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/10/27/are-fulham-pinning-too-much-hope-on-andy-johnsons-long-awaited/

Are Fulham Pinning Too Much Hope on Andy Johnson's Return?

It's hardly surprising that Fulham have been trumpeting the long-awaited return of Andy Johnson from injury for some time.

The former Crystal Palace and Birmingham striker cost the Cottagers £10.5m when he was recruited from Everton in July 2008, a flagship singing who was supposed to announce Fulham's transition from relegation contenders to top-ten regulars.

Johnson was billed as the player the fans would flock to see at Craven Cottage - a forward who could carry the Fulham flag into the England set-up.

But it is fair to say Johnson's career at Fulham never really took off to the extent previous manager Roy Hodgson was hoping for.

A return of 10 goals in his first season was distinctly average, especially as he played in 36 games. Even so, that was far from disastrous and Johnson was able to reflect on what was an excellent season for the Whites with a top seven finish.

No doubt he would have relished the prospect of the following season's Europa League campaign and the chance to face some of the best teams in Europe, especially with confidence within the club running at an all-time high.

Yet sadly for the striker, his season was cut short by a succession of fitness problems that curtailed his involvement. A sorry return of just three goals - scored against the largely unknown Vetra and Amkar Perm - was his total for a 13-game season that ended in the 2-0 defeat at Blackburn on January 17.

There is no doubt Johnson has been desperately unlucky while at Fulham. A quick glance at his medical record from his time with the club lists a number of injuries, not just one, and knee, hip and shoulder have caused him to miss matches before he finally returned at West Brom last weekend.

His introduction as a substitute would have given the travelling supporters some hope that he can fill the void left by Bobby Zamora, who is out until the New Year with a broken leg.

However, the problem is Johnson doesn't come close to Zamora when it comes to fitting in to Fulham's tactics.

Zamora thrives on being the focal point of their attack. He has the ability to hold the ball up and play others in, while he is also capable of scoring some outstanding goals.

Johnson's stature means he is the sort of player who uses his skill and speed to get the better of defenders -- although how much of the latter he still posses remains to be seen.

He did come through a reserve team match against Millwall on Tuesday with flying colours. He scored one goal and set up another. But there is a real concern among Fulham supporters that if Johnson does not repeat that in the Premier League, then the club could be in for a relegation battle once again.

Just a few weeks ago, manager Mark Hughes was receiving the plaudits for masterminding their undefeated start to the season. Fulham climbed up to the top six and looked solid.

But once Fulham lost Zamora to injury, they were knocked out of the League Cup by Stoke, were held by bottom club West Ham and then lost to Tottenham and West Brom.

That run has seen them slip to 16th in the Premier League table and Hughes knows he needs to count on Johnson to score the goals to pull them away from trouble.

However, if Johnson fails to fire, and with Zamora out until the New Year, it could be a difficult three months for the west London side.

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/11/23/dickson-etuhu-wants-manchester-city-striker-at-fulham-82029-27696043/?

Dickson Etuhu wants Manchester City striker at Fulham

DICKSON Etuhu wants his brother Kelvin to join him at Fulham.

The young Manchester City striker hasn't featured since Roberto Mancini took charge, and spent last season on loan at Cardiff City.

The 22-year-old played under Whites boss Mark Hughes at Eastlands, and his big brother Dickson has urged him to make the switch to Craven Cottage.

He said: "I would encourage my brother to come here on loan. The manager knows him well.

"It's hard for him to get into the team [at Manchester City], but he has to deal with it or move on."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/11/23/dickson-etuhu-wants-manchester-city-striker-at-fulham-82029-27696043/?#ixzz166MCT1jf

[WhiteJC]

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/ZollyOnBirminghamCity.aspx?

United Front

Zoltan Gera is determined to get Fulham back on track this weekend when the Whites take on Birmingham City at the Cottage (KO 3pm).

The Hungarian international captain and last season's Player of the Season is adamant Fulham will soon be moving back up the table and win, lose or draw, the Team stand united.

"Sometimes defeats like that [Manchester City] happens in football - we need to forget this game and do better against Birmingham City on Saturday," Gera explained. "It's another very important match and hopefully we can beat them.

"We prepared for the game last weekend like we do for every other game. We wanted to win at home because we know we can beat any team in this league at the Cottage. Unfortunately on Sunday they scored an early goal and that made it difficult because they're a good team with quality players.

"It was a difficult, frustrating game. I can't remember the last time we were down three-nil at half time so it was very difficult. I think we responded well in the second half and showed character and didn't give up.

"It was good to see the supporters stay with us and that was very important for us. Of course the supporters were frustrated with the result and we know we can do much better and we will do in the next few games.

"Hopefully we'll turn this around quickly. We need to stick together and not panic. I think the Premier League is so tight for every team this season and we have time to pick up points and get away from the bottom.

"It's going to be a very tight League this season but hopefully we will win some games, pick up points and move away from the relegation zone. I'm confident because we have a good team spirit and fantastic support. We win together and we lose together - and that's it."

Get behind Zolly and the boys this weekend at the Cottage when Birmingham City come to SW6 - tickets are now on General Sale.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/November/ZollyOnBirminghamCity.aspx?#ixzz166MWYyid

[WhiteJC]

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/847978-simon-davies-included-on-roy-hodgsons-cut-price-transfer-wish-list?

Simon Davies 'included on Roy Hodgson's cut-price transfer wish-list'
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson wants to raid former club Fulham for midfielder Simon Davies as he looks for cheaper options for the January transfer window.

Davies, 31, may be available for less than £2million because of his advancing years - and Hodgson is desperate to add some guile and zeal to the wider positions in his midfield.

However, the winger only recently signed a new contract to take him up to 2013 at Craven Cottage - meaning club chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed will have significant bargaining power when negotiations begin.

Hodgson worked with Davies for three seasons in west London - reaching the final of the inaugural Europa League competition in the manager's last campaign at the club.

And the 63-year-old is keen to be reunited with Davies, who played some of the best football of his career as part of Hodgson's squad.

The player will also be well-acquainted with the Reds manager's methods - which were being singled out as a major reason for the team's poor start to life after Rafael Benitez earlier this season.

But those same criticisms now seem to have dwindled after a run of five wins in seven matches since their 2-0 defeat at local rivals Everton in October.


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/847978-simon-davies-included-on-roy-hodgsons-cut-price-transfer-wish-list#ixzz166ieEbUt