Friday Fulham Stuff - 17/02/23...

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Brighton star sends message to Marco Silva's Fulham ahead of Premier League clash

Brighton and Fulham sit sixth and seventh respectively in the Premier League and are currently separated on goal difference heading into Saturday's fixture at the Amex

Brighton defender Adam Webster has hailed this weekend's fixture against Fulham as a 'very important game' after losing to them back in August.

The Albion welcome The Cottagers to the Amex on Saturday with both teams competing for a European spot next season. Brighton currently occupy sixth spot which would secure them a UEFA Europa League spot while Fulham sit seventh on goal difference.

Webster's side have two games in hand on their next opponents who have surprised many this season after being tipped for a relegation battle before a ball was kicked in August.

Due to how close the two teams sit in the table prior to kick-off, Webster admitted Fulham will be a tough opponent after winning the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage, 2-1, earlier on in the season.

"They are doing well, they are a much better team now and they obviously beat us at the start of the season," Webster told the club's website. "But we have improved as well since then too, we're in a good position and hopefully we can really achieve something in the second half of the season. To do that we've got to keep getting the results at the Amex so it's a very important game for us."

Roberto De Zerbi's side head into the fixture having not lost in 2023 in all competitions, including five wins and two draws, while Fulham are unbeaten in their last four and last lost to Tottenham Hotspur last month.



https://www.sussexlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brighton-message-marco-silva-fulham-8151408

[WhiteJC]

Pre Match report for the Fulham game - Saturday, 18th February 2023

PREMIER LEAGUE 22/23: Brighton V Fulham - 18/2/23 P22

Fulham manager: Marco Silva (2021)
MS is not only back in the Prem but proving he is much more than just about staying up here.

22/23 W10 D5 L8 . F34 A30 GD4 . Pt35 Po7 = 1.52pt/gm . W = 43.4% L = 34.7%
EFL Cup: Crawley 2-0 (A) R2
FA Cup: Leeds (H) R5 . Sunderland 2-3 (A) 1-1 (H) R4 . Hull 0-2 (A) R3.

situation synopsis: possibly overachieving but riding the wave and going with the flow.
run in: West Ham (H), Everton (A), Leeds (H), Villa (A),
Man City (H), Leicester (H), Southampton (A), Palace (H), Man Utd (A)
forecast @ 17/2/23: 35 + (1.52 x 15) = 58 points and a top eight finish.

INS: January window - S Lukic (Torino).

* * * * *

Fulham away: versus Albion - 2-2 0-0 . . . W = 0 D = 2 L = 0 . F2 A2
22/23 W4 D2 L5 . F14 A14 GD0 = 1.27pt/gm or 40.0% of total points.

reverse sequence: dlw wlw lwl ld - points gained = 42.4% lost = 57.5%

Chelsea 0-0: (0-0) 0 67%-33% on 3-4, off 9-6, c 6-2, f 16-12, y 1-4, s 5-5 433-4231
Ncastle 1-0: (0-0) 89 62%-38% on 5-0, off 15-5, c 10-5, f 6-14, y 1-3, s 4-5 433-4231
Lester 0-1: (0-1) 17 61%-39% on 6-2, off 9-9, c 6-3, f 12-11, y 2-6, s 3-3 4231-4231

Palace 0-3: (0-3) 31<80 36%-64% on 0-11, off 4-12, c 1-8, f 12-15, y 1-0, r 2-0 s 5-5 433-4231
Man C 2-1: (1-1) 16,95-28 71%-29% on 5-2, off 11-2, c 9-0, f 6-11, y 2-4, r 1-0 s 3-4 433-4231
Leeds 2-3: (1-1) 20,91-26<84 57%-43% on 5-5, off 9-6, c 3-6, f 12-8, y 1-1, s 4-4 4231-4231

W Ham 3-1: (1-1) 21<91-5 50%-50% on 8-2, off 9-6, c 4-2, f 9-7, y 1-3, s 3-4 4231-4231
Forest 2-3: (1-0) 11,77-54<60 41%-59% on 3-7, off 8-8, c 2-10, f 11-10, y 2-4, s 5-4 3412-4231
Spurs 2-1: (1-0) 40,75-83 52%-48% on 10-3, off 13-6, c 10-3, f 9-6, y 3-4, s 2-5 3421-4231

Arsenal 2-1: (0-0) 64,86-56 72%-28% on 8-3, off 14-7, c 9-2, f 6-12, y 2-3, s 3-5 433-4231
Wolves 0-0: (0-0) 0 60%-40% on 1-3, off 6-6, c 5-3, f 7-14, y 3-3, s 3-4 4231-4231

* * * * *

Fulham from 11/12: 9, 12, 19 P, 17, 20, 6, 3 C, 19 P, 4 C, 18 P, 1 C, 7 @ 17/2/23.
top ten '12, rel '14, '19, '21.
points: 52 43 32 - - - - 26 - 28 - 35.
recent managers: Scott Parker (19-21), Claudio Ranieri (18-19), Slavisa Jokanovic (16-18),
Kit Symons (14-16), Felix Magarth (2014), Martin Jol (11-14).

FS


BRIGHTONFANS refs: via Stats page tabs -
History & Travel previous encounters . Archive incorporating updated Clubs records.
plus Goals, Squad, Prem numbers and Players apps/goal figs.



http://www.brightonfans.com/NewsNow/reports_page.php?id=205&pre=yes

[WhiteJC]

Fulham man expected to head out the exit door on a permanent basis this summer

Latest news on the transfer front involving Fulham as they prepare for the weekend

Fulham are expected to cut ties permanently with Kevin Mbabu this summer. The right-back has left on loan for Servette on a deal until the end of the season.

However, it appears he may have already played his last game for the Cottagers despite only joining last summer. As per reporter Fabrizio Romano on Twitter (see below), he is poised to 'leave again' when his time in the Swiss Super League expires.

Official, confirmed. Kevin Mbabu joins Servette on loan until the end of the season from Fulham. ⚪️🤝🏻 #transfers

Mbabu will be back in July but then he’s expected to leave the club again. pic.twitter.com/X6E1W9s3u0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2023

Fulham swooped to sign the Switzerland international from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg following their promotion from the Championship after he caught their eye playing in Germany. However, he has struggled to break into Marco Silva's side this term in the Premier League.

He played just six appearances and was given the green light to head out the exit door this winter. A departure before the January transfer deadline didn't materialise but the Swiss window shuts later which paved the way for him to return to Servette, which is where he started his career, to get some game time.

Fulham brought in Cedric Soares on loan from Arsenal last month and he competes with Kenny Tete for the right-back spot now. Mbabu's contract runs out in June 2025 but he is likely to depart way before then.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-man-expected-to-head-out-the-exit-door-on-a-permanent-basis-this-summer-4029587

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Fulham's cult hero: Rodney McAree

No surprises that Dan has selected Northern Irish midfielder Rodney McAree as Fulham's cult hero in his latest piece for the BBC Sport website.

McAree was a popular figure but struggled to stay fit during his three years at Craven Cottage – making just thirty appearances and scoring three goals as a result. But he played a key part in the Whites' Division Three promotion under Micky Adams, writing his name into Fulham folklore with a superb winner on that famous day at Carlisle United in April 1997 that effectively clinched promotion.

Twenty years years (where has the time gone!) later and the scenes are still special:

You might also want to check out Lydia's lovely interview with Rod, who has recently taken over as manager of Glentoran, from a few years ago.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/fulhams-cult-hero-rodney-mcaree/

[WhiteJC]

'I feel at home at Fulham,' says Pereira
In-form midfielder Andreas Pereira says he is delighted with his performances for Fulham this season and feels more at home at Craven Cottage with every passing day.

The Brazilian added his sixth assist of the season in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest last Saturday, laying on the clinching goal for Manor Solomon with a beautifully disguised pass. The former Manchester United number ten told Fulham's official website that he was happy to end Fulham's winless league run in such style.

    "I'm very happy, it was a difficult week we had. We came back from some results we didn't want with a win in the Cup and and three points that were massive, so very happy. I'm feeling good. Since I came to Fulham I've been feeling good, every day that passes I feel better here and feel more at home."

Pereira is well aware that this weekend's game at Brighton will be a real test for Marco Silva's side.

    "It's going to be a difficult game, we know they're a very difficult team, but we have to believe in ourselves. We have a very good team as well, a very good manager and we're going to do everything to get the three points. I think it's going to be a similar type of game (to last time we played). They like to keep the ball and we just have to find the weakness and score goals. We have to fight for the spot (in the league). They want to be up there, we want to be up there as well so we have to show we're a better team."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/i-feel-at-home-at-fulham-says-pereira/

[WhiteJC]

Former Fulham and Hull City winger lands new club

Latest news emerges regarding this ex-Fulham player emerges

Former Fulham winger Lazar Markovic is on the move again this winter. The 28-year-old is poised to link up with Turkish giants Trabzonspor.

He is currently on the books of Gaziantep but is switching to their fellow Super Lig side. According to reporter Yagiz Sabuncuoglu on Twitter (see below) has travelled to complete the deal (see below).

Fulham signed the ex-Serbia international in January 2019 whilst they were struggling in the Premier League but he wasn't able to make much of an impact at Craven Cottage. He made just one league appearances for the London club before heading out the exit door following their relegation to the Champinship.

Prior to his switch to the Whites, Markovic spent five years with Liverpool and played 34 times for the Reds. He also had loan spells away from Anfield at Fenerbahce, Sporting Lisbon, Anderlecht and Hull City.

The attacker was a hit on loan with the latter under current Fulham boss Marco Silva. The Tigers landed him on loan in January 2017 and he scored twice in 14 games during his time in East Yorkshire.

Markovic is now on his way to Trabzonspor and will become teammates with the likes of Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Trézéguet, Marc Batra and Marek Hamšík. They won the league last year but are currently 6th.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/former-fulham-winger-lands-new-club-4029950

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O'Neill completes Derry loan move
Fulham under 21 captain Ollie O'Neill has signed for League of Ireland side Derry City on a six-month loan deal.

The versatile Ealing-born midfielder has excelled for Steve Wigley's under 21s this term, scoring seven goals and adding six assists as the young Whites have shone on their return to the PL2. Derry, the League of Ireland's only Northern Irish outfit, finished second to Shamrock Rovers last season and are looking to bridge the gap by making use of the English loan market.

O'Neill, who scored a last-minute winner over Sweden that steered the Republic of Ireland under-21s into the European Championship play-offs, could make his senior debut for Derry against St. Patrick's Athletic tomorrow night.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/oneill-completes-derry-loan-move/

[WhiteJC]

Secure Your Seat For FA Cup Action!

Tickets for our Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round tie against Leeds United are now on sale to Supporters with Booking History.

Following our impressive win over Sunderland, Fulham progressed into Round Five of the competition where they will face Premier League opposition at the end of the month.

Join us as Fulham take on Leeds United at Craven Cottage as we continue our Cup run on Tuesday 28th February, kick-off 7.45pm.

With tickets now on sale to 22/23 Season Ticket Holders, Members and Supporters with Booking History, don't miss out on your chance to witness Emirates FA Cup action live in SW6. Supporters can purchase up to six tickets per person.

SECURE YOUR SEAT

Further matchday information can be found here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/february/16/secure-your-seat-for-fa-cup-action/

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Why you should care about Fulham's high ticket prices

Farrell Monk on why the high cost to watch the Whites at Craven Cottage this year is the start of a slippery slope.

The latest in a long line of ticket-price fiascos from the club has come in the form of £40 tickets for a Tuesday night FA Cup fixture versus Leeds United, which is live on the BBC. Cue unsurprisingly slow sales, anger on every social media post advertising the game, and an unwelcome distraction for what should be seen as one of Fulham's most successful seasons to date. 

Match ticket pricing
Cast your mind back to before the start of the season. A blockbuster opening fixture was on the horizon against Liverpool. Fulham fans were responding to constant questions about Mitrovic's ability at the top level. And an announcement from the club that tickets for the first non-COVID affected Fulham Premier League game since May 2019 would be at least £65 for adults.

A whopping 89% of the 2,200 supporters surveyed by the Fulham Supporters Trust at the time said they would attend fewer or no games as a result. Despite the claim the Liverpool prices would be "a one-off", the pricing policy has continued. Arsenal next month seeing the £65 'one-off' for the fourth time this season. As a result, "legacy supporters" have been the most impacted. The club admitted that it came as no surprise that one in three people who attended games last season have not come a single match up until the world cup break in November when the FST ran their latest annual survey.

While all fans are negatively affected, the annual survey revealed that the fans most turned off are one who have supported for more than 20 years. Even though the club are aware of the impacts of this damaging strategy, they plough on regardless. They will continue to push the line that the stadium is selling out, which it isn't, and they will do this at the expense of longstanding Fulham fans.

Public embarrassment 
It should have been easy for the club to tempt fans from their sofa to the Cottage for what could be turning into a decent cup run. It's been more than a decade since Fulham reached the quarter-final stage, and you can double it for a semi-final appearance. The prospect of seeing a half-full Craven Cottage live on BBC for a big fixture – and the likely unjust criticism aimed at Fulham fans – fills me with dread.

The viewing public will point likely to a amazing Leeds turnout and deride the home side's poor attendance, missing the context completely. Ignoring that this is a culmination of years of the senior management chipping away at us finally coming to a head after years of warnings. Especially in the environment where so many around the country are feeling the pinch of poor economic policies where football and Fulham should be there as a solace.

It's expected that the ticket embarrassment will be mitigated somewhat by accepting plenty of Leeds fans with apparent booking histories and thousands of freebies going to sponsors. Another "sell-out", Mr Khan.

Craven Cottage facilities
The above shouldn't be reported in isolation. And so it's important to talk about what you get for your money. Of course, a large part of this is watching Joao Palhinha elegantly powerhouse his way through oppositions like a Bentley. But some of the basic amenities on offer at Craven Cottage is more David Brent-ly.

The Club has repeatedly talked of becoming world class, yet the survey shows our facilities are anything but. Putting the Riverside to one side (literally), the rest of the stadium facilities were rated 'poor' or 'very poor' on average, with the Hammersmith End getting the worst ratings. The concourse has long been derided, and has been getting worse with reduced space resulting from the Riverside development.

The Trust's Ian Clarke took part in a half-time walkaround with a club safety officer during the Manchester United game. Predictably though, the congestion was so bad the walkaround was only partially completed. This again, is not news to the club and has been repeatedly raised by the FST. And despite sensible suggestions such as moving the catering points and increasing toilets facilities (especially for female supporters), there has been no progress.

We are football fans though; we know that we shouldn't expect plush heated toilet facilities with Japanese-style jet washes for our bums. It's the trade-off we accept as Fulham fans to be able to call Craven Cottage our home, but we'd like to be able to get to a toilet in a safe environment at the very least, if you can afford a ticket.

The biggest surprise for me were the five people who said the Johnny Haynes concourse was "excellent".

What does it all mean?
Al Fayed did a magnificent job at re-awakening a long lost fanbase and bringing large swathes of new supporters with inclusive and affordable tickets. In this era however, they are ready to turn them all away again. An exclusive members club in the new Riverside stand might the indicator of Shahid Khan's vision for his future, a Craven Cottage only available to the privileged willing to pay thousands of pounds a year.

It was only April 2021 when the European Super League was proposed, rightly prompting backlash from across the football world, including the Fulham owner.

"The concept will not serve the game or our most important stakeholders – the generations of football fans here in England", he wrote on the Club website.

Of course, Mr Khan was right to say so, but we should also make sure that he is held accountable to his words by fans. However, Fulham are now the most expensive team to watch in the Premier League. His comments are in stark contrast to the reality of the current policies around ticket pricing and the facilities at the Cottage.

Club CEO Alastair Mackintosh once told us he would like nothing more than "to see Craven Cottage full of Fulham fans". And we can all agree on that. But this also goes against what they described as the survey results as no surprise" when they already know that over half of non-season ticket holders who bought seven tickets on average last year have only been to one or no matches at all in the Premier League up to that point.

It would be a travesty to leave behind a generation of fans who stood up and protected Fulham FC when our future was repeatedly threatened. Which is why it's vital the club listens to the fans today – for the sake of tomorrow. 



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-02-16-why-you-should-care-about-fulhams-high-ticket-prices/

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Brighton Press Conference

The first statement put to Marco Silva in his pre-match press conference was that not many would have had Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion in the top-seven come February, but that both are there on merit.

"Definitely," concurred our Head Coach. "We are really pleased with the way we have been playing so far, and where we are in the table as well.

"You cannot hide that situation, but more [pleasing is] the way we are playing and achieving results, and growing as a team as well.

"And of course we are going to face a team with high quality, in my opinion, not just because they are in a very good position.

"Even at the beginning of the season they did very well and were even higher in the table. I remember the first months they were in the top four.

"But the way they have been playing, the way they have been dominant as well. They are going to be a really tough team to play against, but at the same time I believe that they know that it will be tough to play against us as well."

With Brighton building year on year, and both sides recruiting well this season, Silva was also asked if he sees similarities between Fulham and Saturday's opponents.

"I don't like to compare," he replied. "It's not fair and it's not really our focus to compare with the other clubs.

"Okay, I have to agree with you that the last few seasons they have been doing really well, they are always in the Premier League. You can see that season after season they are improving their position in the table.

"They have that quality as well and I think it's clear for everyone the way they recruit some young lads, even if some of the young lads they spent a very good amount of money on, but you can see the quality there, you can see an idea.

"Roberto [De Zerbi] joined them, before that they had the same manager during three, four seasons as well, which always helps to do something consistent in that situation.

"After with Roberto, they keep doing really well, probably even better, and they are playing really well. It's difficult to compare, different situation as well because we came from the Championship.

"But about recruitment, of course it's something that we have to do our best to do it well, because it's really important to make the people that are already here feel well and make them feel important.

"At the same time, you want to improve the squad and to do the recruitment really well. You know that sometimes it's difficult to be really spot on in all the players that are signed, but most of them you have to do it right to improve the squad and to create more competition inside, like we did last summer. And I believe like we did last month as well."

Fans of the Seagulls may have been concerned when popular boss Graham Potter left for Chelsea, but the appointment of former Napoli midfielder De Zerbi has been inspired.

"I know Roberto well, or his job well, in Sassuolo, and of course a short period in Shakhtar as well," Silva said.

"For me, it is not something new, it is something that he has done in Sassuolo really well. And of course, before the war started, in Shakhtar as well – some games in the Champions League, of course different football.

"Shakhtar, normally their target is to be champions, which is a different thing to Sassuolo, and now in Brighton as well, but it's clear the idea is there. He's doing a very good job, definitely.

"Of course, when he came in they were in a very good position. I think Brighton, season after season, have been improving and are much more consistent, improving their results and position in the table as well.

"When he came they were in a very good position of fourth or fifth in the table. But I have to be fair, and honest really – he's doing a very good job.

"He's a very good manager, he's proving that. I think the players have switched really well to his style as well. They have been a tough team to play against and they have been achieving good results.

"They can be dominant on the ball, not just against several teams, I think against all the teams so far since Roberto came they have been really dominant on the ball. Most of the games, maybe not all the games, they have more possession than the opposition side.

"They have been dominant on the ball and they have the capacity to frustrate the other teams, to take the ball from them.

"It's something that we have to be aware of, because we are a team that like to have the ball as well, and you have to be aware in this situation, but I agree with you that he's doing a very good job and it will be tough.

"But at the same time, we have full confidence in ourselves, what we are capable of doing, and I'm sure that they know it will be tough for them as well."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/february/16/pre-brighton-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham winger follows Ipswich Town man to the League of Ireland ahead of season opener

Latest news on the transfer front regarding Fulham involves a departure

Fulham winger Ollie O'Neill has joined Derry City on loan. The youngster has been given the green light to head out the exit door on a temporary basis before the start of the new League of Ireland season.

The Cottagers will be hoping he can get plenty of first-team football under his belt to boost his development. He isn't the only player to make the switch over from England with Ipswich Town forward Matt Ward making the same move to Brandywell Stadium last week.

Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins has told their club website: "It's a fantastic signing for us - Ollie will enhance our attacking options and he'll get supporters off their seats. He's been eager to get out and get some first team football and Fulham have kindly let him come to us, which we're very grateful for.

"He's very, very talented and what was very pleasing was he had done his research and knew a lot about us. He was a major influence in the move - he wanted to come here and wants to be a part of things here."

O'Neill, 20, has been on the books at Fulham for the past few years and is under contract until 2025. He has caught the eye in the Premier League 2 with the U21s in this campaign and has made 12 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with seven goals and six assists.

Derry kick-start their season tomorrow night away to St. Patrick's Athletic. Their latest signing is available to make his debut.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-youngster-follows-ipswich-town-forward-to-ireland-4030437

[WhiteJC]

Silva: 'We deserve to be seventh'
Marco Silva feels Fulham deserve to be in seventh place in the Premier League – and believes the newly-promoted side might be even higher had they had a bit more fortune during the season so far.

The Portuguese head coach takes the Whites to Brighton and Hove Albion, who are a place above them in the table, with his team sitting in a European qualification position. Silva has been reluctant to entertain talk of continental football, but admits he is pleased with the quality of Fulham's football.

He told this afternoon's pre-match press conference:

"We deserve to be there and we probably could have had more points. The position gives players confidence and the boost they need. The best way for us to prove it is on the pitch. We have a target inside this club, clear, in terms of points. Until we achieve it we won't change our target. If we get it, I'll be the first to create another goal. Because we need this. All of us feel we're on the right track."

Silva knows that his confident outfit are facing a serious test of their mettle at the AMEX Stadium on Saturday, with Roberto di Zerbi already building on Graham Potter's good work with the Seagulls.

"His idea is clear. He's doing a very good job. Brighton have been improving season after season, when he came in they were in a good position. But he's a very good manager, he's proving that. The players are adapting to his style. In almost 100 per cent of the games they have more possession. They can frustrate teams. We have to be aware as we're a team that like to have the ball. But we have full confidence in ourselves."

The Fulham boss was pleased to have the backing of Fulham's vice chairman and director of football operations, Tony Khan, alongside the fans.

"It's important when people in charge are happy with you. The main thing is to make the fans happy. Then at the same time, to make the owner feel you're improving the club. When they're complimentary, it's a good thing."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/silva-we-deserve-to-be-seventh/

[WhiteJC]

'Football is so easy when you're winning games': Fulham boss Marco Silva insists he will not change the targets set for his high-flying squad this season - as Cottagers chase a European spot in the Premier League

    A win at Brighton would send Silva's side sixth and into a Europa League spot
    The West London side have taken 16 points from eight games and are buoyant 
    But manager Silva remained cautious despite their heady league position

Marco Silva will not be persuaded to change the goals he has set for his Fulham players, even if they move into the Premier League's European places by beating Brighton on Saturday.

A win at the Amex Stadium would send Silva's side sixth and into a Europa League qualification spot, far exceeding expectations that accompanied the team's return to the top flight after winning last season's Championship.

Victory against Nottingham Forest last Saturday means they have taken 16 points from the last eight games and are buoyant, having lost just twice in the league since November.

But the manager remained staunchly cautious despite the Cottagers' heady league position and refused to publicly set his team's sights on new goals until he was satisfied they had collected the points required for safety.

'We are not going to change,' said Silva, whose side will leapfrog fellow high-flyers Brighton with victory on the south coast. 'It's not a lack of ambition. The best way for us to prove (ourselves) is on the pitch, not with words before or during the match.


Marco Silva (pictured) will not be persuaded to change the goals he has set for his Fulham players


Willian celebrates with his Fulham teammates after scoring against Nottingham Forest

'We don't change the targets. We have a target inside the club in terms of points. Until the moment we achieve it, we are not going to change our target.

'It's clear for us. If we get our target - that at the beginning of the season was our goal - I will be the first to create another.

'We need this. The players will know it first and after you will know it. It's not important for the moment to say we're going to fight for something different if we haven't achieved our main goal. But it's not a lack of ambition.'

Despite Silva's caution, Fulham are chasing a first season in Europe since 2011/12 when they qualified for the Europa League via their fair-play ranking.

After progressing through four qualifying rounds they were eliminated in the group stage after Danish side Odense came to west London and snatched a draw with a dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser in their final game.

Two years earlier, Roy Hodgson led them on a stunning run to the final where they were beaten in extra-time by a Diego Forlan goal for Atletico Madrid in Hamburg.

The run saw some of the most memorable matches ever played at Craven Cottage, including a 4-1 win against Juventus in the last-16 when the team fought back from 3-1 down on aggregate.

Yet Silva would not be drawn on talk of Europe. With a first qualification in a decade in their sights, the manager called for supporters to keep things in perspective should the team fall away in the season's final weeks.

'In football, when you're winning and getting results, everyone is smiling,' said the manager. 'The mood is completely different. But I want the same if something comes along in the future.


Fulham manager Silva gives instructions to Tim Ream during a break in play

'I said from the first day, 'the only thing I asked of our fans is to be always with the team, not just in the good moments but in the bad moments'. It will not be all sunshine.

'You have to be always on the same page. Football is so easy when you're winning games, keeping clean sheets. Everything is so nice. Everything is perfect. But football is not always like that. What makes the difference?

'Some managers at some clubs stuck with the same manager and the same ideas. See where they are right now. They are really in a better position than before.

'It's what I ask of our fans. If something comes that is not so good in the future, stick behind these players, because they deserve it.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11759955/Fulham-boss-Marco-Silva-insists-not-change-targets-set-high-flying-squad-season.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham confirm two major injury blows and one doubt ahead of Brighton

Fulham manager Marco Silva has fitness concerns to key members of his squad ahead the Premier League trip to Brighton.

A win at the Amex Stadium would send Silva's side sixth and into a Europa League qualification spot, far exceeding expectations that accompanied the team's return to the top flight after winning last season's Championship.

Victory against Nottingham Forest last Saturday means they have taken 16 points from the last eight games and are buoyant, having lost just twice in the league since November.

Brighton however are also in decent form under head coach Roberto De Zerbi and last Saturday's draw at Crystal Palace – a match they should have won – keeps them sixth and on track for Europe.

Fulham's main fitness concern is Willian this week as the in-form Brazilian – who will be 35 this August – limped off during the win against Nottingham Forest last week. The former Chelsea attacker will have a fitness test on Friday to see if he is able to travel to the south coast.

Silva said: "We have one more day to prepare for the game so we will see as there are a couple of players who have knocks. At this moment Tom Cairney and Neeskens Kebano are the only players unavailable."

Brighton also have concerns of their own as striker Danny Welbeck is set to miss out with a calf injury and experienced midfielder Adam Lallana is working his way back from his latest injury. Lallana, who missed the draw at Crystal Palace, has not yet been ruled out and will be assessed this week. Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill is expected to miss out as the defender recovers from a quad injury, although Adam Webster and Evan Ferguson should be fit enough for selection having both featured at Palace.



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/fulham-confirm-two-major-injury-blows-and-one-doubt-ahead-of-brighton-4030699

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Brighton v Fulham, a six pointer for 6th place in the Premier League , who would have predicted that at the srart of the season when the leading question was can Fulham avoid their 3rd consecutive Premier League relegation on the bounce.