Friday Fulham Stuff - 04/12/20...

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Fulham land ClearScore sleeve deal to end of season

December 3 – Premier League returnees Fulham have agreed a one season deal credit scoring specialist ClearScore as an Official Principal Partner and Sleeve Sponsor.

The deal, which will end with the current campaign, has already been activated with the ClearScore logo appearing on first team shirt sleeves for the club's last two game against Everton and Leicester – the win over Leicester pushed the west London team out of the relegation zone.

Fulham's season will be a battle against surviving the drop to the Championship. Survival would also give them the opportunity to renew or improve the shirt sleeve sponsorship. No value was give for the deal though it is reckoned to be about £500,000.

Alistair Mackintosh, CEO of Fulham, said: "We are excited to work with a progressive organisation which offers a broad range of financial information and services for free. The ClearScore logo complements our stylish playing shirts and provides fantastic exposure for the ClearScore brand to a global football audience."

A national business with more than nine million users, ClearScore is based in south west London. This is their first football club sponsorship. The sponsorship includes LED perimeter exposure as well as a digital content package to market direct to Fulham fans.

CEO and co-founder of ClearScore Justin Basini says: "After what has been a difficult period for everyone, we're delighted to be partnering with Fulham Football Club this 2020/21 season, and bringing ClearScore's vision for financial wellness and resilience to a new audience.



http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2020/12/03/fulham-land-clearscore-sleeve-deal-end-season/

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Ruthless Man City can make Premier League title statement vs Fulham

Pep Guardiola is likely to go strong in the Premier League clash with Fulham, and the result could have implications for the end of the season.

If Manchester City beat Fulham this weekend, there's an outside chance they could finish the gameweek in the top four for the first time this season.

That situation would require four results, plus their own, to go the right way, and Pep Guardiola won't be disappointed if they have to wait a few weeks longer to break back into the top four.

City, ultimately, have one goal on Saturday. That is to make sure they get the three points against a spirited Fulham side who shocked Leicester with a fine away performance in their last game.

On paper, City should be looking at a home fixture with Fulham as a straightforward three points. With three clean sheets in the last three games since the disappointing Tottenham defeat, City will be confident of building on the 5-0 victory over Burnley last weekend.

That result, and performance, should be the benchmark for Guardiola's preparations to host Fulham.

Not only did City score early to take control of the game, they kept the pressure up in the second half to move back into positive goal difference after some mixed results. They shouldn't be in a position where negative goal difference is even a consideration for the rest of the season.

And that will be imperative if City have any ambitions of winning the Premier League.

While three points against Fulham will be important for continuing the climb back up the table, it could also be important for their end-of-season title ambitions.

A current goal difference of +5 is not something City are used to in recent years after nine games, despite a few tricky fixtures so far. It's curiously the same as champions and second-placed Liverpool, who have played one game more, but leaders Tottenham and third-placed Chelsea are leading the way with +12.

So a fixture at home against the league's leakiest defence should be seen as an opportunity to build up the goal difference column. It's been an advantage City have had in recent title races over their rivals, with their free-scoring attack giving them an insurance policy if there were any slip-ups and goal-difference was needed to decide any final standings.

History is in City's favour in this regard. In their last five meetings with Fulham, they have scored 16 times without reply. Fulham haven't scored at the Etihad since 2011, conceding 18 times in their last six visits to east Manchester.

With Guardiola giving a number of his first-choice attackers a rest in the week at Porto, and having the opportunity to make widespread changes next week in the final Champions League game, there should be no excuses but to pick an attacking side with clear instructions to get another big win under their belts.

Next week will almost certainly see a high number of changes for the Marseille game, before a Manchester derby that already looks like a must-win fixture for both sides. United have a difficult trip to West Ham this week, followed by a Champions League game in Germany where they will have to go strong to secure passage to the last-16.

City, on the other hand, couldn't have picked a better two opponents this week. Now, they must make sure they take full advantage against Fulham and get themselves into the best shape possible for that Old Trafford meeting. A big improvement on their Premier League goal difference in the first of those two fixtures would be a huge boost for next weekend and hopefully at the end of the season.



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-fulham-team-news-19391840

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Club have 'started the countdown' to re-sign Fulham man – Player 'looks hot' to make move

Galatasaray have opened talks with Fulham to bring Jean Michael Seri back to the club in the January transfer window.

That's according to Fanatik, who say Gala boss Fatih Terim has explicitly asked for the club to re-sign the 29-year-old to strengthen his midfield.

Seri spent last season on loan with the Super Lig side, making 27 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and registering four assists in total.

He returned to Fulham in the summer but has played a bit-part role at best under Scott Parker, managing just two appearances and 118 minutes of football so far.

Indeed, he is yet to feature in a Premier League squad this season, with his only action coming in the EFL Cup games against Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford.

It's clear he's not part of their plans moving forward, and Galatasaray want to take advantage of that and sort out a deal in the winter window.

Fanatik say they have 'started the countdown' to get their 'old star' back to the club, with Terim having asked the club's administration to make it happen.

It's stated that they are 'preparing to sit down' with Fulham to discuss a move and Seri 'looks hot' to return to the Turkish club.

There's no mention of whether they're eyeing up a loan deal or a permanent transfer, although, given the way most transfers have gone in Turkey in recent years, it's probably the former.

Fulham will presumably push for a permanent deal given Seri isn't wanted, and his contract expires in 2022, so they're in a slightly precarious situation on that front.

Either way, it's one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks, with a deal certainly there to be done, and quickly at that, if the two clubs are smart about the negotiations.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-jean-michael-seri-galatasaray-transfer-january/

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Nottingham Forest: Fans slate Anthony Knockaert following draw against Watford

Nottingham Forest fans were fuming following the performance of attacker Anthony Knockaert as the side drew 0-0 with Watford on Wednesday night.

The winger, who is on loan from Premier League side Fulham, has played nine times in the Championship this season (Transfermarkt). It has not gone well for him, as he is yet to register a goal or assist.

The Watford match summed up his start to the campaign. The Frenchman lost possession 17 times and failed to manage a single shot on target (SofaScore). He also lost six ground duels, having very little effect in an attacking sense and proving wasteful in possession.

The point was vital for the side as they are heavily involved in the relegation battle as things stand – at the moment they are three points clear of the bottom three.

The next few games for Chris Hughton's side come against Reading, Norwich and Brentford, who are all in the top six, so December will be crucial for their campaign and they will need improvement from players like Knockaert.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/nottingham-forest-news/nottingham-forest-fans-slate-anthony-knockaert-following-draw-against-watford/

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Late Night Shopping Event

Don't miss out on our late night Christmas shopping event at the Stadium Store on Thursday 10th December!

The Stadium Store, which re-opened on Thursday 3rd December, will be staying open late until 9pm on 10th December and fans in attendance will be able to take advantage of an exclusive instore one night only offer of 30% off all 2020/21 Home & Away Kits!

Head to the Store and make sure you're set for Christmas, with other ongoing offers including 3 for 2 on stocking fillers and all men's 2020/21 Training Wear.

Our Christmas range includes a wide selection of toys and games, the exclusive Fulham FC Christmas Jumper and plenty of FFC retro themed gifts, to ensure you find the perfect gift this year.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/december/Late-Night-Shopping-Event/

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Parker's Pre-City press conference

Scott Parker admitted he hadn't considered the captaincy conundrum following Joachim Andersen's stint on Monday night. The Fulham boss has channelled his focus on preparing for an affair with Manchester City.

"I pick the best team that I think will have the best effect on the game and get points from the game," he started. "We have a winning team that got a good result, so they've put themselves in a position to start but I have a group of players here, and with the schedule coming up, I'll pick the best team available.

"I haven't really thought about the captaincy. Joachim was captain against Leicester. The other players weren't on the pitch. He's done a fantastic job; my main focus is preparing a team for a very tough game."

Manchester City pose a daunting test for Parker's side, but his squad have been buoyed by an excellent result in Leicester on Monday night. A performance that has injected confidence.

"I can't imagine we will go there and dominate possession," he admitted. "Is that to say you can't get a result against them? We showed that against Leicester. There's no denying it will be one of our toughest fixtures this year, any team in the Premier league will say the same thing. We'll need to be at our best to get a result.

"Monday's done a lot for morale. I harp on about keeping morale and spirits high. That has been the case. We haven't won many games but when you get a positive result against a tough team it helps. With that brings extra confidence and belief, it's something to build on - not just for Saturday but the remainder of the season."

A trip to the Etihad is a fixture that many teams in the Premier League would balk at, but preparation is key for Parker.

"We all realise how hard it'll be. I believe if you go there in the right frame of mind and build your moments you can get a result there. I'm positive about it but it'll be a tough ask.

"We don't have any fear. It's a game we are looking forward to. We understand the challenges against Man City who are an excellent side, whoever you're interviewing will probably say the same thing. It shows the quality they have and the task ahead when you play them. Let's see, this is football, if you prepare sometimes you ride your luck and show your quality - you never know."

As always, a team news update was provided by the Head Coach, who confirmed he is at full strength barring Kenny Tete, who has been sidelined since the Aston Villa defeat.

"No fresh injuries. Kenny won't be available this weekend, it's still too early. He's in a good way in terms of where he is. Other than that, it's a full squad, everyone else is fit."

The 40-year-old has been posed the question on several occasions as to whether his side 'clicked' on Monday. He feels his team have done so in patches this season, but Leicester was a complete 90 minutes.

"We've had a lot of games where we have clicked this season, in the all round 90 minutes, probably not. We were exceptional against West Brom, but Monday night was just an exceptionally professional performance. Away from home against a side who could've gone top on the night.

"No doubt penalties have been an issue. If you miss penalties that cost us points, there is something there. It's an ongoing process to work on and we hope the hard work will pay off. It was pleasing for that one to hit the back of the net."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/december/Parker-s-Pre-City-press conference/

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Scott Parker hints that we may see something we haven't seen for 301 days at Fulham

By the time Saturday rolls around it will have been 301 days since Terence Kongolo's last appearance for Fulham, but it seems as though he's finally back fit to play for the Whites.

The Dutch defender picked up a nasty injury in early 2020 that saw his loan spell with the Whites cut short, but after re-signing on a permanent deal and suffering multiple injury setbacks, he's finally fit to play.

Scott Parker finally gave a fitness update during his pre-Manchester City press conference that didn't have bad news about Kongolo.

"No fresh injuries. Kenny Tete won't be ready this weekend, it's still a little bit too early. Other than that, everyone else is fit," Parker said.

Kongolo is finally able to make his first Fulham appearance in 301 days on Saturday, but will he play against Pep Guardiola's side?

It's hard to imagine that Parker will want to unsettle the side that performed so well against Leicester, especially as it looks as though he has finally found a settled defensive partnership with Joachim Andersen and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Andersen was actually handed the captain's armband against the Foxes on Monday, while Adarabioyo has been ever-present since coming into the side against Sheffield United in late October.

However, there may still be a route for Kongolo to get a game on Saturday.

Parker often likes to throw on an extra defender to shut up shop if his side is leading late on, and against Manchester City, Parker may want to do that even if he's on track for a point.

Kongolo is a versatile defender, in that he can play at left-back as well as at centre-back, and he's a much more defensive option on that left side than the attack-minded Antonee Robinson.

If Kongolo is to appear against City, it may well be as a substitute coming on late for Robinson.

There would be an element of irony if Kongolo does make his re-debut against City as his first ever appearance for the Whites was against Guardiola's side in the FA Cup back in January.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/12/03/scott-parker-hints-that-we-may-see-something-we-havent-seen-for-301-days-at-fulham/

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Scott Parker insists Fulham travel to Manchester City in confident spirits

Scott Parker wants his Fulham side to use the morale boost that came with victory at Leicester as they face one of their toughest challenges of the season when they travel to Manchester City on Saturday.

The Cottagers secured their first away victory of the campaign against the Foxes on Monday to move one point clear of the relegation zone, despite having just 32 per cent possession on the night.

Parker believes that result has boosted confidence in his side ahead of their trip to the Etihad Stadium.

"It's done a lot. Of course, I do always say that this season we need to keep morale, we need to keep spirit high and that has been the case, although we haven't won many games," Parker said.

"But in saying that, when you do get a result against a very tough team, I don't think anyone expected us to get a result and we went and got a result and played extremely well.

"So with that brings a little bit of extra confidence and an extra bit of belief and that helps on the way. So a big result for us on Monday and something for us to build on. Not just to build on come Saturday or against Liverpool but for the remainder of the season really."

Manchester City are looking to kickstart their Premier League campaign after a sluggish start to the season and burst into life with a 5-0 thrashing of Burnley at the Etihad last weekend.

Parker is aware Fulham will need to be at their best to have a chance of taking something from the game and admits his side will have to adopt a similar approach as they did at the King Power Stadium.

"I can't imagine we'd be going there and dominating possession, certainly a large part of the teams that go and play against Manchester City that's the case," Parker added.

"Is that to say that you can't get a result against them without that? I think we proved that against Leicester and I think teams have proved that this year that have gone there.

"There's no denying that this is one of our toughest fixtures of this year and I think any team in the Premier League, whether you're sitting at the top or down near the bottom, would be saying the same thing.

"So (we need to be) disciplined and we're going to need to be at our best to try and get a result there."

Ivan Cavaleiro scored a penalty against Leicester, ending Fulham's run of three missed spot-kicks before that against Sheffield United, West Ham and Everton, but Parker believes his side have moved on from those disappointments.

"I think it's pleasing because no doubt over the last few weeks it has been an issue for us, because if you miss penalties like we did that cost us a lot of points which it has, there's obviously something there," the 40-year-old added.

"(It's an) ongoing process to try and keep ticking as many boxes and keep working on it and hope that the hard work you're putting in and that the players are putting in and the processes that are in place will keep paying off.

"We were pleased when that one hit the back of the net."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-insists-fulham-travel-to-manchester-city-in-confident-spirits-1607012977000

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Dean Holden gives injury update on Steven Sessegnon and when he could return for Bristol City

Steven Sessegnon is now back at Bristol City after spending time with his parent club Fulham during his rehabilitation from injury, with Dean Holden providing an update on the defender

Dean Holden is expecting Steven Sessegnon to be back in action for Bristol City in the new year.

The 20-year-old has not featured for the Robins since October, having sustained a hamstring injury in the draw with Swansea City.

Following the injury, Sessegnon returned to his parent club Fulham for an assessment, with the defender starting his rehabilitation with the Whites.

But he has now returned to Bristol City, who he joined on a season-long loan in September, and is continuing his recovery work with the Robins as he closes in on a return to action.

However, Robins boss Holden says that Bristol City will not be rushing him back, with Sessegnon unlikely to feature again for several more weeks.

"We are probably looking at mid to late January for Sess," said Holden.

"He is back with us at the moment, he has been with Fulham, but he is going through his exercises on the bike.

"It is great to see him, he is a fantastic person, Sess.

"He is with us and happy to be back with us and feeling part of the group again, and he has got a really important process in front of him now to get himself back up to speed and ready for when he is fully fit."

Sessegnon has made four appearances for Bristol City since joining the club in September.



https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/holden-sessegnon-update-bristol-city-4763252

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How Tottenham's Ryan Sessegnon Is Getting on at Hoffenheim

Big things have been expected from Ryan Sessegnon ever since he burst onto the scene as a fresh-faced Fulham 16-year-old back in 2016.

His debut season in senior football saw him become the youngest player to be named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year, and the following campaign he fired Fulham to promotion to the Premier League, chipping in with 16 goals and eight assists and scooping the Championship Player of the Year Award - still aged just 17.

Sessegnon did not quite dazzle as brightly as he had in the second tier during his maiden campaign in the top flight as Fulham convincingly tumbled out of the top flight, taking just 26 points all season. But the huge potential he undoubtedly possessed meant Tottenham were prepared to splash out £25m to bring the teenager to north London.

However, Sessegnon's start to life at Spurs was disrupted by injury and he was forced to wait until 4 November to make his first-team debut. Just over a fortnight later, Mauricio Pochettino - the man who brought Sessegnon to north London - was replaced by Jose Mourinho.

The youngster would go on to feature just 12 times in all competitions during his debut season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he was shipped out on loan to Hoffenheim during the final month of the 2020 transfer window.

Having been largely restricted to substitute cameos during his maiden month in the Bundesliga, Sessegnon enjoyed a thoroughly impressive November with his new side, scooping Hoffenheim's Player of the Month award and allowing Tottenham fans to get just a little bit carried away about their talented youngster.

The former Fulham man made his Hoffenheim debut against Borussia Dortmund 12 days after signing for the club, coming off the bench for the final 11 minutes of the Bundesliga defeat to BVB.

A four-minute cameo against Werder Bremen was sandwiched in between Europa League starts in Hoffenheim's comfortable group stage wins over Red Star Belgrade and Gent - with Sessegnon playing the full 90 on both occasions.

He was handed his first Bundesliga start against Union Berlin at the beginning of November. Hoffenheim lined up with a back three, with Sessegnon initially deployed at left wing-back for the first 38 minutes.

However, when Stefan Posch picked up an injury shortly before half-time, the on-loan Spurs man was forced to step in as a left-sided centre-half for the first time in his career. He then moved to left-back following Robert Skov's 58th-minute dismissal.

The day he made his Bundesliga debut, Sessegnon revealed he had been the victim of racist abuse on Instagram. His teammates showed their solidarity for him during their 5-0 win over Slovan Liberec by raising their fists in the black power salute after Mu'nas Dabbur opened the scoring.

He remained an unused substitute during his side's Europa League victory, but another 90 minutes came the following week during Hoffenheim's defeat to Wolfsburg, with Sessegnon again operating at left wing-back.

The 20-year-old moved to left-back as part of a back five for Hoffenheim's 3-3 draw Stuttgart after the international break and netted his side's second goal to level the scores at 2-2 early in the second half with a well-struck near-post finish, nutmegging goalkeeper Gregor Kobel just for good measure.

Hoffenheim transitioned to a back four for the reverse fixture against Slovan Liberec in the Europa League, with Sessegnon starting at left-back. He was then substituted at half time.

He was back at left-back in the Hoffenheim back four for their 1-1 draw with Mainz and provided the assist for his side's equaliser.

The former Fulham man received the ball on the left-hand side of the Mainz box and played a perfectly weighted, low first-time ball into the box - straight into the path of forward Ihlas Bebou, who flicked home.

Sessegnon's performances were rewarded as he was unanimously voted the Hoffenheim Player of the Month - scooping 81% of the supporter vote - and leaving Tottenham fans plenty to get excited about ahead of his return in the summer.



https://www.90min.com/posts/how-tottenhams-ryan-sessegnon-is-getting-on-at-hoffenheim

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Tony Khan must do everything to sign Peterborough winger Siriki Dembele

Fulham are one of several Premier League sides reportedly interested in Peterborough winger Siriki Dembele ahead of the January transfer window, and the Cottagers must do everything they can to sign him.

Football Insider have suggested that the West London club have joined Celtic, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Wolves in their interest in the 24-year-old.

The former Grimsby man has enjoyed a superb start to the League One season, having contributed five goals and four assists in 14 appearances for the Posh, which has seen him average an incredible 7.56 rating (per WhoScored).

This currently sees him rated as the second-best player in the third division, so it is no surprise to see him being linked with a move away ahead of the January transfer window.

Dembele could be compared to current Fulham winger Ademola Lookman with regards to his style of play, with WhoScored suggesting that both players excel when it comes to their dribbling ability.

The Peterborough man has helped Darren Fergurson's side to third in the League One table ahead of the weekend's fixtures, so they are unlikely to want to sell one of their most influential players for cheap in January but considering some of the sides linked with Dembele, it seems unlikely that he will remain at the London Road Stadium for much longer.

Fergurson was full of praise for his winger earlier in the year, suggesting that:

"Siriki suffered because we changed to a system that didn't use wingers and the lads flew up the league. When Siriki did get in he then got injured and then he had a suspension.

"But the boy has been absolutely outstanding since realising he can play as a central striker. He destroyed Ipswich last weekend with a goal and two assists." (per Peterborough Today)

Therefore, it seems clear from his performances this season that Dembele is far too good a player for League One, so Tony Khan and Fulham must do everything they can to ensure that they are the ones to sign him when he does leave the Posh.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-news/tony-khan-siriki-dembele-fulham-scott-parker

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What happened at latest Premier League meeting with regards five substitutes rule change

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been vocal with his desire to give managers the ability to make five substitutes in Premier League matches amid the current packed fixture schedule

Jurgen Klopp's frustrations over Premier League substitutions are set to continue - after no clubs raised any issue with the current situation at Thursday's Premier League meeting.

As it stands, there will be no introduction of return to five substitutions for the remainder of the season.

A number of managers, including Klopp and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have voiced their frustration at only being allowed to make three subs during the 2020-21 campaign.

Premier League clubs had been allowed to make five changes during Project Restart last season.

But the Premier League twice voted against continuing with five subs before the start of the current campaign.

Since then, the EFL have voted and changed things, allowing managers to make five subs in matches if they see fit.

And despite Klopp's recent claim that 15 of the 20 top-flight managers are in favour of making the change, it was not on the agenda at Thursday's meeting, nor was it brought up.

The impact of fixture congestion and the enhanced number of muscle injuries - comparative to recent seasons - had led to suggestions that change could be afoot.

When it was last voted upon in September, the proposal gained only nine votes.

After losing James Milner to injury at Brighton on Saturday, and with Andy Robertson playing to the final whistle despite struggling himself, Klopp claimed the backing of 14 other managers.

He also took aim at Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder, following his "world-class politician" jibe; Wilder has been adamant in his backing for the current system, because he believes it benefits his side.

"Chris Wilder says I am selfish. I think all the things he says are selfish," stated Klopp, speaking to BT Sport on Saturday.

"I was in a similar situation as he is when I worked at Mainz - all about staying in the league.

"But they now have three subs, and one point, if I'm right, so there's no advantage or disadvantage.

"If I had five subs today, I bring on Kostas for Robbo, to save Robbo. It's about saving players."

What was on the docket on Thursday was further talks over what fans must do when they return to grounds.

The first Premier League match with supporters in attendance will be West Ham vs Manchester United on Saturday.

A number of sources state that the Premier League will go further than the Government's demands with fans being made to wear face masks at all times ,temperature and ID checks, and strict enforcement of social distancing.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/what-happened-latest-premier-league-23112099

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Psychologist helped Fulham overcome penalty jinx

Fulham finally ended their penalty woes with help from the the club's sports psychologist.

Head coach Scott Parker offered a fascinating glimpse into the mind games that saw Ivan Cavaleiro convert from the spot against Leicester on Monday at the team's fourth attempt this season.

It proved to be the winner, securing the Whites' second victory of the season.

And while ex-boss Slavisa Jokanovic was sceptical of the idea of a psychologist, Parker has a very different point of view.

Sometimes there are even one-word flashcards run past players seconds before they go onto a pitch.

"We employ someone who works with players," Parker explained.

"He offers different facets; a shoulder to bounce things off, game scenarios, or whatever may be the case.

"It could be as basic as a conversation about the last game; things that players are uncomfortable with, or it could be about different processes – the penalty taker comes to mind.

"Another example is flash cards before a player goes out to play, with real clear instructions that simplify things that may be an issue to any one player."

Fulham will certainly need the psychologist to get their team to their mental best when they face the daunting task of trying get a result at Manchester City on Saturday.

They will again be without Kenny Tete, but the defender is edging closer to a return.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/psychologist-helped-fulham-overcome-penalty-jinx