Friday Fulham Stuff - 03/02/23...

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva may have finally found a home at Fulham after years on the managerial merry-go-round

Since the inception of the Premier League in 1992, the average lifespan of a top-flight manager currently stands at two years and four days.

For every Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger there is a Nathan Jones and Rene Meulensteen with managers more likely to leave a legacy of ignominy as opposed to anything of note.

The cut-throat nature of the football industry means coaches are rarely given time to make an impact, let alone find a club they can settle at to truly call home.

And with spells at Hull City, Watford and Everton garnering just 18 months as the longest stint, combined with similar short-term stays at Sporting Lisbon and Olympiacos, it seemed Marco Silva was destined to become the latest victim of football's uncompromising managerial merry-go-round.

Sackings, personal issues and distractions have all contributed to these departures although Silva may count himself unlucky to be shown the Goodison Park exit door after guiding Everton to eighth place in his only full season in charge.

Nevertheless, this patchy track record inspired little confidence the 45-year-old would be sticking around Craven Cottage for long when he was unveiled as Scott Parker's successor in July 2021.

That's even before considering Fulham's own recent history under Shahid Khan's ownership – overseeing the hiring and firing of the aforementioned Meulensteen, Claudio Ranieri and Felix Magath as Fulham's managers which, very much like the club's own league status, continually struggled for stability.

Yet at Fulham Silva appears to have stumbled across a club where his managerial skills not only fit but there is a harmonious relationship being built between him and Khan that is breathing new life into the West London side.

Not only did Silva deliver the required Championship promotion in his first season in charge but he achieved it in record-breaking style before carrying the momentum into this season's Premier League campaign.

Fulham currently sit sixth in the table and are practically assured of Premier League survival with the club enjoying their best top-flight record after 25 games since 1960.

Furthermore, the comfortable 2-0 FA Cup home win over Leeds United means Fulham have reached the Quarter-Finals for the first time in 13 years with Craven Cottage becoming somewhat of a fortress this term.

Silva's man-management has to be commended – not only improving Fulham stalwarts such as Tim Ream, Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic but also reinvigorating Willian's career, one that appeared to be moving in a downward trajectory before his summer arrival.

The additional acquisitions of Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira, Issa Diop and Bernd Leno have also been astute ones which have provided the side with a good balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair.

This pragmatic approach has seeped into a clear and effective identity which has been crucial in producing impressive results so far – a set-up that is organised, tactically hard to break down but simultaneously playing on the front foot.

At the moment it is hard to dispute the fans' chant of 'We have got Marco Silva. He's A Genius' and with less than 18 months left on his current contract, it is imperative that the Portuguese boss is rewarded with an improved deal.

When London Football Scene recently asked for an update on his situation, Silva claimed initial discussions had been held before Christmas and more were likely in the coming months.

"I am pleased with the way we are working together, everyone is happy at this football club and it's what makes me happy as well," Silva added.

"Now we have more time, of course we are going to have more conversations about it (a possible contract extension) in the future."

Khan has repeatedly praised Silva, claiming he is the best manager he has worked with during his 10-year spell as owner which suggests both parties are amenable to making a new deal happen.

After the success the Fulham boss has already brought in such a short space of time, these negotiations have to happen sooner rather than later so Silva can finally have a club he deserves to call home for a long time to come.



https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2023/03/02/marco-silva-may-have-finally-found-a-home-at-fulham-after-years-on-the-managerial-merry-go-round/

[WhiteJC]

'I felt it' - Andreas Pereira explains Manchester United summer exit to Fulham

Former Man united player Pereira unpacked his feelings after securing a move to the Cottagers after nearly joining his homeland club Flamengo.

Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira has outlined how his summer exit from Manchester United unfolded in light of a near-move to Flamengo.

The midfielder looked to be on the brink of signing for the Brazilian club permanently following a season-long loan spell but the outfit ultimately opted against triggering a £8.5m option-to-buy clause in his deal amid reports they wanted to try and capture a lower fee.

Fulham eventually came in with a £10m offer plus £3m in potential add-ons and Pereira secured a move to Craven Cottage instead. The playmaker will face his old employers later this month in the FA Cup quarter-finals amid his club's competition run.

He played 75 first-team games for United but had not featured for the Reds in more than two years by the time he left following numerous other loan spells away, including to Lazio and Valencia.

Pereira has since become a key player for Fulham this season under Marco Silva. The 27-year-old has missed only one of the London club's games this season and has featured in every Premier League fixture. He's chalked up three goals and six assists in all so far.

Speaking to Brazilian outlet O Dia, Pereira gave an overview of how his exit from United to Fulham came to fruition. "These are things that happen in football. There was a phase at Flamengo that was difficult," he said.

"I know what happened, I felt it first-hand. But unfortunately, in the end, when things were working out, it turned out to be too late to negotiate with Manchester United. They no longer wanted to negotiate with Flamengo.

"I understand the Flamengo part and I understand the Manchester United part, but I think the best thing for me was coming to Fulham."

It was clear Pereira had a fond relationship with Flamengo, the talent writing a passionate goodbye on his Instagram upon his return to Manchester. "Flamengo's greatest asset is its fans. Flamengo is the people, Flamengo is the spirit... it's everywhere!" he said at the time.

"Today I am... I love Flamengo! And that, no one can change, or take away from me."



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-andreas-pereira-fulham-26376654