Saturday Fulham Stuff - 26/09/20...

[WhiteJC]

The Anthony Knockaert to Cardiff City rumours and everything we know so far

Reports surfaced on Thursday night that the Bluebirds had enquired over a move for Fulham attacker Anthony Knockaert

On Thursday night Sky Sports reported that Cardiff City had made an enquiry over signing Fulham's Anthony Knockaert.

The Bluebirds are in the market for a player who will bolster their attacking options, with Lee Tomlin the only natural No.10 at Neil Harris' disposal.

Here is everything we know so far about the links with the 28-year-old Frenchman.

What was reported?

On Thursday night Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth reported the Bluebirds had enquired with Fulham about the potential availability of Knockaert.

On Sky Sports News, Sheth said: "I've been told Cardiff have made an enquiry for Fulham forward Anthony Knockaert.

"That's from one source, we're just waiting to find out if it has indeed been accepted or rejected and whether Fulham are listening to offers for Knockaert."

In a blog post on their transfer centre webpage, Sky Sports later wrote: "Cardiff City have made an enquiry about signing Fulham forward Anthony Knockaert.

"Knockaert was an unused substitute in both of Fulham's Premier League games this season.

"The player was on loan at Fulham from Brighton last season, before making the permanent switch for £10m in July."

What we know about the contact made

While there has been some activity, WalesOnline understands there has been no contact between Cardiff City and Fulham over the availability of Knockaert.

Instead, we believe the situation to be a case of the player's representatives sounding out clubs over any potential interest in the attacker.

We understand Sky Sports' claim that Cardiff have actively approached Fulham over signing the player is wide of the mark.

The player's situation at Fulham

At first, many baulked at the suggestion Knockaert would leave the Cottagers, having just secured promotion to the Premier League and Fulham having signed him on a permanent deal for a reported £10m just two months ago following a successful loan spell.

There is no doubting the player's ability, but with the wealth of attacking options currently at Scott Parker's disposal he might find himself a little down the pecking order.

Given Knockaert has the likes of former Bluebird Bobby Decordova-Reid, Josh Onomah, Aboubakar Kamara, Ivan Cavaleiro and Neeskens Kebano also fighting for those spots behind the striker, the Frenchman might not be afforded the game time he would like at Craven Cottage.

Knockaert was an unused substitute in Fulham's first two Premier League matches of the season, but featured in each of their two Carabao Cup fixtures.

What has Neil Harris said about transfers?

As we all know, the Cardiff City manager has stated that he would like to add in that attacking third of the pitch in the remaining three weeks of the transfer window.

However, Harris on Thursday said there are no incomings imminent.

"I've been speaking to agents, clubs, seeing who is available," he said at his press conference ahead of the game against Reading this weekend.

"We will not be signing anyone before the weekend that's for sure.

"From my perspective we could do with adding to the group, I always want options.

"I want different types of wingers, centre forwards, No.10s. I just feel maybe we could add to those options and it could benefit us."

So, is a deal on the table?

There is nothing in the deal at the moment, one well-placed source has told WalesOnline.

One big consideration is the player's lofty salary — he is on a reported £35,000 per week at Fulham — especially against the backdrop of financial uncertainty within the game.

Harris spoke on Thursday about the financial impact that playing behind closed doors long term will have on football below the Premier League and whether that must now be factored into the club's recruitment strategy is likely a consideration.

However, we must also remember that two high-profile players in Neil Etheridge and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing have left City in recent weeks, both of whom will have been on handsome wage packets themselves for the Championship, so funds will have freed slightly.

Cardiff City, it is understood, only found out on Thursday about the player's availability and given this sort of deal would take a bit of financial clout, some time will have to be taken to find out whether the economics of it all are viable. These deals also tend involve loan fees, too, so it is not simply a case of taking on the player's wages.

The 28-year-old certainly fits the bill, though, in terms of being able to play both in the wide area and in that playmaker role behind the striker, so that is a box ticked.

But, while it cannot be ruled out entirely, the likelihood of a deal happening at this stage is some way off.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/anthony-knockaert-cardiff-city-rumours-18994865

[WhiteJC]

Cardiff City interested in signing three-time Championship promotion winner

Cardiff City have made an enquiry about Fulham winger Anthony Knockaert, as per Sky Sports (live transfer blog, 24.09.20, 18.59).

The Bluebirds are interested in potentially bringing the Frenchman back to the Championship.

Knockaert, who is 28 years old, signed for Fulham for £10 million in July after spending last season on loan at Craven Cottage. However, he has been an unused substitute in their opening two games of the new Premier League campaign.

He made 39 appearances for Scott Parker's side in all competitions last term during his loan spell from Brighton and Hove Albion, chipping in with five goals to help the London club get promoted.

Knockaert knows what it takes to get out of the second tier. He played a huge part in Brighton's promotion under Chris Hughton in 2017 by scoring 15 goals in that campaign.

He also helped Leicester City win the Championship title six years ago, before getting his third promotion with Fulham last term.

Cardiff are keen on bringing in some new faces to their squad before the end of the transfer window and Knockaert is someone who is proven at this level and would be an eye catching signing.

However, Fulham may still believe he has a future at the club this season and the Bluebirds would have to fork out money to lure him to Wales.



https://the72.co.uk/193899/cardiff-city-interested-in-signing-three-time-championship-promotion-winner/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham and Leicester 'very attentive' to player's situation – PL duo 'failed to offer' fee requested by club

Jean-Clair Todibo has no future at the Camp Nou and Barcelona are looking to find a solution for him in the last few days of the transfer window.

Everton and Leicester City are said to be interested in the centre-back.

Fulham are also keen, and on September 22nd, Sport reported the Cottagers are willing to pay an initial fee of €18m plus €5m in bonuses to acquire the Frenchman's services.

Rennes have been linked with the defender, but their manager, Julien Stéphan has ruled out the possibility of signing his compatriot.

Stéphan's comments on Todibo are relayed in today's edition of Sport, and at the end of the report, both Fulham and Leicester get a mention.

It's claimed the Premier League duo continue to be 'very attentive' to the France U20 international's situation at Barca.

Another Catalan newspaper, Mundo Deportivo, echoes Sport's report, and states Fulham and Leicester are interested in Todibo.

However, the two English clubs have 'failed to offer' the €25m fee requested by Barcelona to sanction the player's transfer.

Everton are also interested in the central defender. Both Sport and Mundo state the Toffees would only consider signing Todibo on loan, while Barca are looking to sell him on a permanent transfer.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-and-leicester-very-attentive-of-players-situation-pl-duo-failed-to-offer-fee-requested-by-club/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham midfielder linked with Championship move

Cardiff City have registered their interest in signing Fulham winger Anthony Knockaert according to Sky Sports' Transfer Centre (24/9/20, 6:59pm).

Knockaert only signed for Fulham permanently in July, having caught the eye with a number of impressive performances for the Cottagers last term.

Fulham finished fourth in the Championship table last season, but won promotion via the play-offs, after beating London rivals Brentford in the final at Wembley.

Knockaert played a key role in that promotion-winning season with Scott Parker's side, with the Frenchman making 46 appearances for the club, whilst also chipping in with four goals and five assists in all competitions.

But he hasn't featured as much as he would have liked to already in the Premier League for Fulham, with the winger not making a single appearance for them in their league campaign so far.

It's been a tricky start to life back in the top-flight for Fulham, who are currently sat 18th in the table after their opening two matches.

Knockaert's lack of game time could see him head for the Craven Cottage exit door in the coming weeks, with the summer transfer window set to close in October.

A move to Cardiff could be tempting for the winger as well, with the Bluebirds keen to mount another serious push for promotion into the Premier League.

Neil Harris' side were beaten by Fulham in their play-off semi-final last season, and it appears as though the club are keen to sign Knockaert after some strong performances last season.

The Bluebirds are next in action this weekend, when they host Championship league-leaders Reading, in what is certain to be a tricky test.

The Verdict:

I like the sound of this potential deal.

Knockaert isn't going to be getting the regular minutes he wants to with Fulham whilst they're in the Premier League, so it would make sense for him to leave the club in the near future.

A loan move to Cardiff could be the ideal opportunity for him to find regular minutes at a team that are likely to be challenging for promotion into the top-flight.

It would be a move that would be ideal for both parties involved, as the Bluebirds could certainly benefit from adding strength in depth to their attacking options.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-midfielder-linked-with-championship-move/

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Weekend 26/09
Well we're playing on Monday evening rather than the weekend but we welcome Aston Villa to the Cottage for a 17:45 kick-off.

It's just as well that we're not allowed to attend this game, first it was 3 o'clock Saturday, then 2 o'clock Sunday, then 6 o'clock Monday and finally 5:45 Monday to allow the later Monday evening game to be shown in pubs before the 10 o'clock curfew. How considerate of the League to look after pubs, when have they shown the same consideration for the fans who actually attend games?

Anyhow back to the game, it's far too early to say that this is a 6 pointer however I think it's a game that we really need to win. If we win then we'll have 3 points from 3 games, if we kept that up we should have just enough to stay up?

Villa stayed up by the skin of their teeth last season but have strengthened their squad, notably with Brentford's Watkins, Birmingham's Hogan, Martinez and Traore.

I'm sure that Scotty Parker would have this down as a "probable win" game, our record against Villa is reasonable with 10 wins, 6 defeats and 8 draws.

COYW's

Games of interest..
Saturday 26th
Brighton v Man Utd
Palace v Everton
West Brom v Chelsea
Burnley v Southampton

Sunday 27th
Sheff Utd v Leeds
Spurs v Newcastle
West Ham v Wolves

Monday 28th
Fulham v Villa
Liverpool v Arsenal

come on over to the forum and join in the discussion...
https://bit.ly/2UDAjaY



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1430

[WhiteJC]

Brentford v Fulham to be live on Sky Sports

Carabao Cup contest televised on Thursday evening

Brentford's game against Fulham in the Carabao Cup next week will be live on Sky Sports. The Bees will play host to Fulham in only their third-ever League Cup Fourth Round tie next Thursday, 1 October. The game will, unfortunately, be played behind closed doors, and will kick-off at 5.30pm. Bees fans will be able to watch the game on Sky Sports.

The tie is one of five of the eight matches next week to be shown live on Sky. The full list of TV games is as follows:

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea                           Tuesday 7.45pm

Newport County v Newcastle United                  Wednesday 5.30pm

Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester United   Wednesday 7.45pm

Brentford v Fulham                                          Thursday 5.30pm

Liverpool v Arsenal                                           Thursday 7.45pm

With The Bees in action on Thursday, there has been a change to the Sky Bet Championship programme. Our game against Preston North End will now be played on Sunday 4 October. This game, also behind closed doors, will kick-off at 2pm. It will be available on iFollow Brentford and, as per our announcement yesterday, all Season Ticket Holders will be sent a code to watch the game.

The first rounds of the competition are being played in fast-forward due to the 2020/21 season being condensed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Brentford have won through three rounds in 16 days so far and have equalled their best ever run in the competition. The Bees reached the Fourth Round in 2010, losing to Birmingham City, and in 1982, when they lost to Nottingham Forest. This is the first time Brentford have been at home at this stage of the competition.

The Bees knocked out Premier League West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night to reach the Fourth Round. Brentford have already beaten Southampton, in the Second Round, and Wycombe Wanderers in their first tie. Fulham beat Sheffield Wednesday in their Third Round tie, having got past Ipswich Town last week. Those are, however, their only two wins of 2020/21 so far. They started the season losing at home to Arsenal before defeat to Leeds United last week.

This will be the third meeting between the teams in just over three months. The last was arguably the most important ever between the teams when Fulham won the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley, winning 2-1 after extra time. The Bees had beaten Fulham home and away in the league campaign and finished above them on goal difference but lost the winner-takes-all showdown for a place in the Premier League.

The last league meeting between the teams ended 2-0 in Brentford's favour with Emiliano Marcondes scoring one and making one while Bryan Mbeumo scored the only goal in the last meeting between the sides at Griffin Park. The teams last met in a League Cup tie in 2014. Fulham won at Griffin Park that night in a Second Round contest.



https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/september/brentford-v-fulham-carabao-cup-details/

[WhiteJC]

Brentford League Cup tie live on Sky

Fulham's League Cup fourth round tie at Brentford has been selected for live coverage by Sky Sports.

The fixture, a repeat of the Championship play-off final won by Joe Bryan's brilliant brace in August, will take place on Thursday 1 October at Brentford's new Community Stadium, with kick off at 5.30pm.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/brentford-league-cup-tie-live-on-sky/

[WhiteJC]

On-Loan Opoku

Defensive Giant Joins Greens

Defender Jerome Opoku has joined Argyle on-loan from Premier League side Fulham.

A ball-playing central defender who can also play at left-back, the 21-year-old joins Ryan Lowe's Pilgrims on an initial deal until January.

Mitcham-born Opoku spent last season on-loan in Sky Bet League One with Accrington Stanley, making 21 appearances across the defence as Stanley consolidated in the third tier.

The 6'4" centre-back has been with Fulham since he was nine, and consistent development has seen him rise to the fringes of the first-team at Craven Cottage. Having impressed in the reserve set-up, Jerome claimed the captain's armband for the London club's Premier League 2 side towards the back-end of their 2018/19 campaign, before signing a new long-term deal last summer.

Jerome will wear the no.24 shirt for the Pilgrims' 20/21 campaign.

Deal subject to EFL approval.



https://www.pafc.co.uk/news/2020/september/opoku-on-loan/

[WhiteJC]

Opoku joins Plymouth on loan

Fulham defender Jerome Opoku has signed for Plymouth on a short-term loan.

The 21 year-old centre back, who can also operate at left back, joins the League One side until January initially. Opoku, a popular member of Fulham's academy since the age of nine, has previously captained the Whites at under-23 level and spent last season on loan at Accrington Stanley, where he made 23 senior appearances. The tall, speedy defender is under contract at Craven Cottage until at least next June, with Fulham retaining the option to extend that deal by a further year.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/opoku-joins-plymouth-on-loan/

[WhiteJC]

Javier Pereira leaves Fulham FC for managerial job in Chinese Super League



Javier Pereira has left his role has Fulham's assistant head of football operations in order to become head coach of Chinese Super League side Henan Jianye FC.

Pereira, who was formerly Slavisa Jokanovic's assistant manager at Craven Cottage, returned to the club in January and helped Scott Parker's side return to the Premier League.

"Fulham is a club I will always hold a lot of affection for, the staff and supporters have been truly wonderful and I have made many friends for life," said Pereira.

"I would like to thank Mr Khan and Tony Khan for the incredible support they have given to me. The most important thing to me is to be leaving the Club at a time when its objective of being promoted to the Premier League was achieved.

"I will be keeping a keen interest in Fulham and I will be cheering for the team this season. I wish the Club every success and hopefully our paths will cross again in the future."

Meanwhile, Fulham are close to completing the signing for former Barcelona defender Marlon Santos from Sassuolo. Having conceded seven goals in their opening two Premier League games, Parker is keen to add numbers at the heart of defence.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-news-javier-pereira-exit-chinese-super-league-manager-a4556356.html

[WhiteJC]

Jerome Opoku: Plymouth sign Fulham defender on loan

Jerome Opoku made 21 appearances in League One for Accrington Stanley last season

Plymouth Argyle have signed defender Jerome Opoku from Premier League club Fu;lham on loan until January.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan with Accrington, making 25 appearances in all competitions.

He could make his debut for the Pilgrims in their home game against Shrewsbury on Saturday.

Ryan Lowe's side have taken four points from their opening two League One matches after winning promotion last season.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54297141

[WhiteJC]

Fulham launch late bid to hijack Crystal Palace's move for Brentford's £30m-rated flier Said Benrahma

    The Algerian scored two hat-tricks and 17 goals in the Championship last season
     Fulham have asked Benrahma's advisors to update them on Palace negotiations
     Brentford were deprived of a place in the Premier League by Fulham last month

Fulham have moved to hijack Crystal Palace's swoop for Brentford attacker Said Benrahma.

The Eagles are advanced in their move for the Algeria international, but are yet to close a deal.

But west London rivals Fulham have now entered the race to land Benrahma - who was widely recognised as the best attacking player in the Championship last season.

Sportsmail understands representatives from the Craven Cottage club have been in touch with the player's advisors for an update on the status of Benrahma's protracted move to Palace, with a view to launching their own swoop.

Brentford value Benrahma close to £30million - a fee a number of clubs have been reluctant to meet.

His future will become clearer in the coming days, but there is no immediate rush to complete the deal before the October 5 transfer deadline.

Benrahma can still complete his move to the top flight during an additional window for EFL transfers, which closes on October 11. 


Fulham defeated Brentford 2-1 in the Championship play-off final as Benrahma had an off day

The 25-year-old's sensational 2019-20 season saw Benrahma score 17 goals in 46 matches, including hat-tricks against Hull City and Wigan Athletic.

The former Nice man had fans of Premier League clubs sitting up and taking notice during a campaign in which he also notched up eight assists.

Despite their free-flowing football, Brentford ultimately came up just short in their quest for promotion, losing 2-1 to Fulham in the Championship play-off final last month.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8772445/Fulham-launch-late-bid-hijack-Crystal-Palaces-Brentfords-Said-Benrahma.html

[WhiteJC]

Report: Fulham join race for £30m star; manager said he is for sale

Fulham are looking to beat Crystal Palace to the signature of Brentford's Said Benrahma after making an 11th hour approach for the Championship star, according to the Mail.

Earlier in the window, Scott Parker's Cottagers failed in an attempt to hijack West Brom's pursuit of Grady Diangana Traore, with the England U21 international eventually sealing a belated £18 million move to the Midlands (Mail).

With Benrahma's talks over a move to Selhurst Park reaching an advanced stage, who knows whether Fulham will have any more success this time around?

There is no harm in trying, however.

The Mail claims that Crystal Palace are yet to finalise a deal with Brentford, suggesting that the Algerian international's £30 million price-tag is proving to be a substantial stumbling block.

If Fulham are willing to pay the admittedly massive sum that Thomas Frank's Bees want, then they could suddenly move into pole position for a fleet-footed winger they marked out of the game during a dramatic play-off final at Wembley.

The report adds that Fulham, who have also been looking at RB Leipzig's Ademola Lookman, have asked to be kept in the loop about how Benrahma's talks with Palace are progressing as they put together a package of their own.

As part of that thrilling 'BMW' strike force, Benrahma was the driving force behind Brentford's promotion push with 17 goals and ten assists last term.

But Ollie Watkins' former strike partner is yet to make an appearance in 2020/21 due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.

"So it's no secret that Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma are players that other clubs are interested in and if the price is right then we are open for potentially selling them," Frank told Sky before Watkins become Aston Villa's record signing.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/25/report-fulham-join-race-for-30m-star-manager-said-he-is-for-sale/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham mount late Benrahma bid

Fulham have made a late move to sign Brentford forward Said Benrahma from under the noses of Crystal Palace, according to a Daily Mail report this afternoon.

The Eagles were thought to be front runners in the race for the Algerian winger, but Fulham have apparently made contact with Benrahma's agent ahead of submitting a formal offer for his services. The former Nice forward has been widely tipped to make a Premier League move after Brentford were beaten in the Championship play-off final last August, but the Bees are holding out for several suitors to match their valuation, which is believed to be around £30m.

Benrahma, who was linked with a move to Chelsea towards the end of last season, scored seventeen goals in 46 games for Brentford last season, including hat-tricks against Wigan and Hull City, and laid on eight more for his team-mates. The 25 year-old, who has won five senior international caps for his country, had a series of domestic loans after struggling to make an impact with Nice before moving to Griffin Park for around £2.7m in July 2018.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/09/fulham-mount-late-benrahma-bid/

[WhiteJC]

An Introduction To FanTeam

We are proud to have FanTeam as our Official Fantasy Sports Partner, check out the video below to find out more about FanTeam and what they have in store for us this season.

Visit to play: https://www.fanteam.com/

18+ Be Gamble Aware.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/september/An-Introduction-To-FanTeam/

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker: 'We cannot afford to dwell on defeats'

Fulham manager Scott Parker insisted his side cannot dwell on defeats in the Premier League as they prepare to play Aston Villa on Monday in search of their first point this season.

The west London club marked their return to the top flight with a 3-0 home loss to Arsenal early this month before being edged out by Leeds in a seven-goal thriller.

Parker said after the Leeds game that he thought his side were "too nice" at times and wanted to push them to be more aggressive, but warned against letting the defeats weigh on the minds of the players.

"Football clubs are always a lot better and the atmosphere and the mood is a lot better when you're winning," the 39-year-old said.

"But I think I've said this from the outset, and it'll remain my main voice this year, that we're going to lose football matches this year and we can't afford them to really cripple us and we can't take that into a really negative spiral.

"As much as we want to win games and we want to try and get points on the board, at the same time we need to stay quite level in what we're doing.

"I've been involved in relegation teams and the one thing that gets teams relegated in the end is that spiral effect, that knock-on effect it has on you, and the dent in the whole atmosphere and confidence, team spirit and adhesion. In the end it saps you and it buries you really."

Fulham's defensive record has come under fire at the start of this season after they conceded seven goals in the opening two league matches of the campaign, although Parker said his side were not alone.

"I don't think we're the only team at this present moment in time who have let in some goals in the first two games, I think there are a few of us down there," he said.

"Obviously not ideal, of course not, we understand that. Villa at home on Monday, it's a game you want to try and get three points and we want to win, so that's our aim and that's what we'll be trying to do."

The Fulham boss has already made a number of signings this season, including full-back Kenny Tete and on-loan Paris St Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but more names could be joining the club before the end of the transfer window on October 5.

"It (defence) is an area we're looking to try and improve and trying to get players in and improve us as a team," said Parker.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/scott-parker-we-cannot-afford-to-dwell-on-defeats_415890.html

[WhiteJC]

Dear members of the FoF Community,

While we believe that our members have a right to express their thoughts and opinions in the threads and post contained within the FoF Forum, we feel a need once again to remind members that there are rules and guidelines that must be adhered to.  As moderators we feel that certain members are testing the limits to which they can push and or ignore the rules and guidelines set for this forum community.  We are very aware that the amount of personal abuse, belittling and harassment of fellow members has increased during these trying times for fans.

As moderators we have tried over these pasts several months to be a bit more lenient due to the trying times that the covid virus has and is putting everyone through.  However, we feel that now certain members are just blatantly ignoring the guidelines and making for a hostile forum.

Therefore, we feel that a tougher line of enforcement for the guidelines and rules is needed going forward.  It is the intention of the moderating team to go back to our three strikes policy.  First strike a warning with a possible temporary ban.  Second strike a warning with a longer temporary ban.  Third strike the member will be banned for life.  As with all things there are certain things that will automatically warrant a permanent ban without any warnings.

One thing that we would like to make truly clear, any poster who receives a warning has the right to respond to the mods if they feel unduly treated.  Note, such a response should avoid being argumentative or, contain disparaging language directed towards members of the mod team.  Responses directed at a member of the mod team, or the mod team as a whole, containing abusive or disparaging language will automatically receive a lifetime ban.   

We hope by going back to a more strict enforcement of the rules and guidelines that we can bring this forum back to a place where members can express their ideas and opinions freely without fear of being the target of abuse.

For reference, the FoF Forum Guidelines and Rules are pinned at the top of the General Discussion page.  Here is a quick link. 

https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?topic=51314.0

Sincerely,

The Friends of Fulham Forum Mod Team

[WhiteJC]

Fulham cannot afford to get sucked into downward spiral – Scott Parker

Fulham manager Scott Parker insisted his side cannot dwell on defeats in the Premier League as they prepare to play Aston Villa on Monday in search of their first point this season.

The west London club marked their return to the top flight with a 3-0 home loss to Arsenal early this month before being edged out by Leeds in a seven-goal thriller.

Parker said after the Leeds game that he thought his side were "too nice" at times and wanted to push them to be more aggressive, but warned against letting the defeats weigh on the minds of the players.

"Football clubs are always a lot better and the atmosphere and the mood is a lot better when you're winning," the 39-year-old said.

"But I think I've said this from the outset, and it'll remain my main voice this year, that we're going to lose football matches this year and we can't afford them to really cripple us and we can't take that into a really negative spiral.

"As much as we want to win games and we want to try and get points on the board, at the same time we need to stay quite level in what we're doing.

"I've been involved in relegation teams and the one thing that gets teams relegated in the end is that spiral effect, that knock-on effect it has on you, and the dent in the whole atmosphere and confidence, team spirit and adhesion. In the end it saps you and it buries you really."

Fulham's defensive record has come under fire at the start of this season after they conceded seven goals in the opening two league matches of the campaign, although Parker said his side were not alone.

"I don't think we're the only team at this present moment in time who have let in some goals in the first two games, I think there are a few of us down there," he said.

"Obviously not ideal, of course not, we understand that. Villa at home on Monday, it's a game you want to try and get three points and we want to win, so that's our aim and that's what we'll be trying to do."

The Fulham boss has already made a number of signings this season, including full-back Kenny Tete and on-loan Paris St Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but more names could be joining the club before the end of the transfer window on October 5.

"It (defence) is an area we're looking to try and improve and trying to get players in and improve us as a team," said Parker.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/fulham-cannot-afford-to-get-sucked-into-downward-spiral-scott-parker-1601043842000

[WhiteJC]

Sky pundit thinks Leeds United are going to suffer a heavy defeat soon

Paul Merson has stated in The Daily Star that he has not been convinced by Leeds United despite their performances against Liverpool and Fulham.

Leeds suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Liverpool away from home at Anfield in their opening Premier League game of the season.

The West Yorkshire outfit gave the defending Premier League champions a run for their money and lost only due to a late goal from the penalty spot.

In their next league game, Marcelo Bielsa's side edged past Fulham 4-3 at Elland Road.

Former Arsenal star Merson – who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports – has said that he has not been convinced by Leeds, and has predicted the Whites to suffer a heavy defeat by "a really good team" soon.

Merson wrote in The Daily Star: "I'm not convinced by Leeds. They could easily have lost to Fulham and a really good team are going to beat them heavily soon.

"Leeds got lots of praise for the way they played at Anfield but I thought Liverpool just turned up expecting to win and didn't take them seriously enough. They won't finish where everyone seems to think they will – but they will finish above West Brom."

Staying positive, but improvement needed

Leeds were brilliant going on the attack against Liverpool and Fulham, but defensively the Whites could have done much better.

One suspects that Bielsa knows that already, and the recent signing of Diego Llorente from Real Sociedad will make the West Yorkshire club better and stronger at the back.

Leeds are a very entertaining side to watch, and the Elland Road faithful will hope that it continues for long.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/25/sky-pundit-thinks-leeds-united-are-going-to-suffer-a-heavy-defeat-soon/

[WhiteJC]

Forward set for Fulham medical, €2m loan deal agreed – Cottagers have 'proposed' midfielder to Italian duo

Fulham are on the verge of completing a deal for RB Leipzig forward Ademola Lookman, who will arrive at Craven Cottage on loan.

Lookman has been linked with a return to England after struggling in Germany following an €18m move from Everton last year.

There were claims yesterday that there had been movement in the talks between Leipzig and Fulham and that a move was a distinct possibility.

BILD now say a deal has been struck, with Fulham set to sign the forward on a year-long loan deal, having agreed to pay a €2m fee to secure his signature.

Indeed, Lookman has even been left out of Leipzig's squad for their upcoming clash with Bayer Leverkusen, and it is claimed he is on his way to his new club to undergo a medical 'in a timely manner'.

While he is on the way through the entrance door at Craven Cottage, Jean Michael-Seri appears to be getting pushed towards the exit.

Il Roma, relayed by Area Napoli, report that the midfielder has been 'proposed' to both Inter Milan and Napoli, with Fulham keen to move him on after he returned from a loan spell at Galatasaray.

They say Seri can be loaned for a fee of €1.5m making him an appealing prospect, particularly for Napoli, who are on the hunt for midfield reinforcements.

A move is 'complicated', though as Napoli's sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is looking for a player who has already played in Italy, to avoid any issues settling in.

That would suggest they're not keen on Seri, and there's no mention of how Inter responded to the offer either, but what is clear is that Fulham are touting him around and he's a name to keep an eye on as we get closer to the end of the transfer window.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/forward-set-fulham-medical-e2m-loan-deal-agreed-cottagers-proposed-midfielder-italian-duo/