Friday Fulham Stuff - 29/03/24...

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Premier League star reveals 'excellent offer' from West Ham – Very open about transfer approach
João Palhinha has told O Jogo that West Ham United tried to sign him from Fulham last summer.

Marco Silva's side took the 28-year-old from Sporting in the summer of 2022 and he starred in his debut season at Fulham, scoring four goals from 40 games.

The Fulham star's fine displays had convinced Bayern Munich to bet on him but the deal collapsed. As well as the Bavarian club, West Ham also made an approach to secure the midfielder's services.

Last September, Marco Silva's side extended Palhinha's contract until 2028 with an option for another year.

The newspaper asked the Portugal international if the renewal ended up being a bonus and compensation over a failed move to Bayern. When responding to that, he opened up about the interest shown by the Hammers in acquiring his services last summer.

"No. The renewal had already been scheduled since our pre-season training camp in the United States," he said.

"At the time, I had received an excellent offer from West Ham and had a conversation with Fulham's owner, who committed himself to renewing my contract. I took it as a vote of confidence. I never expected that Bayern would turn up in the final stages of the market."

The former Sporting man hasn't provided further details of West Ham's offer and whether it was him, Fulham or both who turned it down.

Palhinha continues to be an integral part of Marco Silva's plans but there's the chance he could be the subject of transfer attempts again in the summer.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/premier-league-star-reveals-excellent-offer-west-ham-open-transfer-approach/

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Journalist reveals secret from Fulham player – Agreements to join Arsenal and Chelsea in place before injury
Fulham's Raúl Jiménez came close to joining Arsenal and Chelsea earlier in his career, according to journalist Burro van Rankin.

He made this claim to Caliente TV, and it was shared on their Instagram page, just hours after Van Rankin interviewed the striker.

Their caption read that they have revealed a 'little-known secret' that the Fulham man came close to moves to Arsenal and Chelsea.

Antena 2 in Mexico have also relayed the journalist's latest claims and share more details on the 32-year-old's failed moves to Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Mexico international arrived in England when Wolverhampton Wanderers signed him from Benfica in 2018.

Jiménez was the star at Molineux and his fine form saw him regularly linked to top clubs. He suffered a serious head injury against Arsenal in November 2020, this saw a lengthy layoff and difficult return to the game, and is given as the reason for his failed moves to the London clubs.

According to Van Rankin, this information was given to him by the Fulham frontman himself.

Since recovering from the head injury, Jiménez hasn't regained his best form yet. He left Wolves for Marco Silva's side last summer and has scored five goals from 25 matches this season.



http://sportwitness.co.uk/journalist-reveals-secret-fulham-player-agreements-join-arsenal-chelsea-place-injury/

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Show Your Support for Fulham FC Women
Fulham FC Women are back at Craven Cottage on Sunday 7th April, kick-off 2:30pm!

Join us as Fulham FC Women take on Dartford FC Women in SW6 in what is set to be a pivotal clash in the race for promotion.

Bring your family & friends along to enjoy an afternoon of fun, with face-painting, balloon-modelling and a visit from Billy the Badger, as well as all the match action!

Tickets for this fixture are priced at just £5 for Adults and £1 for Juniors.

SECURE YOUR SEAT
HOW TO BUY

Supporters can purchase tickets online at tickets.fulhamfc.com, over the phone by calling 0203 871 0810 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or in person from the Fulham FC Ticket Office (Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm).

All seats will be allocated in the Johnny Haynes Stand. 2023/24 Fulham Women's Season Tickets will be valid for this fixture.

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/march/27/show-your-support-for-fulham-fc-women/

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Fulham handed Calvin Bassey injury boost ahead of Sheffield United trip
The defender missed Nigeria's win over Ghana last week

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey is expected to be fit to face Sheffield United on Saturday after recovering from an injury scare on Nigeria duty.

The 27-year-old missed Nigeria's win over Ghana through injury and flew home from Morocco before their second friendly against Mali.

But initial assessments have revealed his injury is not as bad as feared, and the £19.3million summer signing from Ajax hopes to be fit for this weekend's trip to Bramall Lane.

Fulham will be looking to follow up their 3-0 win over Tottenham before the international break as they bid to finish the season strongly.

Marco Silva's side are outsiders for Europe, with clubs as low as eighth in the table able to qualify for the Europa Conference League.

Brentford's Frank Onyeka also left the Nigeria camp due to a family matter but he will be available for their game against Manchester United on Saturday.

His availability is a boost for the Bees as they continue to battle against relegation.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-calvin-bassey-injury-sheffield-united-b1148210.html

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Fulham draw with Tigres
Fulham set up a Dallas Cup semi-final against Sao Paulo on Friday after being held to a 1-1 draw by Mexican outfit Tigres in their final group game yesterday.

Winger Lemar Gordon put the young Whites in front inside the first ten minutes by winning position off the Tigres defence high up the field, racing through on goal and lashing an emphatic finish high into the net. Gordon made have made it two but fired over the bar having been set up by Brad de Jesus, before Tigres equalised from twenty yards after Fulham had failed to deal with a long ball forward.

Ali Melloul and his coaching staff made five changes at half-time and Fulham's football was far less fluent after the interval, but the Whites progressed from Group B as winners. They will take on Sao Paulo at 10pm UK time on Friday evening.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/fulham-draw-with-tigres/

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Bassey set to be fit for Sheffield United trip
Calvin Bassey will be available for Fulham's trip to Sheffield United on Saturday, according to the Evening Standard.

The former Ajax centre back left Nigeria's camp after missing the Super Eagles first friendly against Ghana through injury and returned to Motspur Park for Fulham's medical team to take a look at the knock. There were fears that the Whites could be missing their in-form centre back for some portion of the Premier League run-in, but initial tests suggest that Bassey should be fine to feature for Fulham at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

The 24 year-old defender has forged a miserly partnership at the heart of Marco Silva's defence with Tosin Adarabioyo since returning from the African Cup of Nations and his availability will be a massive boost for the Whites as they hope to build on an outstanding win over Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage before the international break.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/bassey-set-to-be-fit-for-sheffield-united-trip/

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"Yes, of course" – Premier League star backs manager for move to Liverpool, and to succeed there
Sporting manager Rúben Amorim has been backed to succeed at Liverpool, if he were to take the Anfield job.

That's according to Fulham star João Palhinha, and he made this claim during a lengthy chat with O Jogo.

Jürgen Klopp is now in charge at Liverpool but the German has announced his decision to leave the club at the end of this season.

Since then, a few managerial candidates have been linked with a move to the Merseyside club and Rúben Amorim's name is included.

Last month, Record reported the 39-year-old coach has a €30m release clause in his deal that lasts until 2026, and it'll be lowered to €20m for clubs outside of Portugal. This was stated when explaining that he's on Liverpool's radar.

The 28-year-old Fulham midfielder knows the manager well as he played under Amorim at Sporting for two years between 2020 and 2022. They won the league and two more cup competitions during the 2020/21 season.

When O Jogo asked Palhinha if Amorim has the capacity to manage a club like Liverpool, he said: "Yes, of course, although the pressure is different."

"When you coach a big Portuguese club, you have the pressure of the fans and the size of the club itself, which forces you to win. When you coach Liverpool, you have the pressure of the fans, the club and the whole world. The way it's growing, I think it's only a matter of time.

"Rúben is a very good coach, one of the best in Portugal, he's done an excellent job since Braga. He has an in-depth knowledge of the game and has a close relationship with the players. The way he's growing, he won't be in Portugal much longer. It won't be for lack of opportunities that he won't leave Portugal. He has dreams and ambitions of winning another title for Sporting and then the future will be in his hands."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/yes-course-premier-league-star-backs-manager-move-liverpool-succeed/

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Ticket update: Fulham (h)
As a result of a smaller away allocation being requested by Fulham for our fixture at The City Ground on Tuesday 2 April (kick-off 7.30pm), additional home tickets will go on sale for all Home Members in the Lower Bridgford Stand from 2pm today (Thursday 28 March), online only.

Please note, due to a Safety and Security request, available tickets are for Adults Only (20+) and will be available at the relevant Adult Price Category only. Supporters must not use a Membership to purchase an Adult ticket in this area for anyone under the age of 20. If a supporter under 20 attempts to gain entrance on the day, they will be refused entry with no refund given. In addition, if anyone under 20 is found within this area, they will be ejected with no refund given.

All tickets enter via Turnstiles 1 – 3, & 60 at the corner of The Peter Taylor and Bridgford Lower Stands.

Supporters can purchase online from 2pm today (Thursday 28 March).



https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/2024/march/28/ticket-update-fulham-h/

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Willian confirms stance on future as Fulham look to keep winger
35-year-old remains a key player at Craven Cottage

Fulham winger Willian admits he has not yet decided on his future.

The vastly experienced 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season but remains an important figure under Marco Silva, having started 19 of Fulham's 29 Premier League games so far.

Willian was close to leaving the club last summer amid interest from both Nottingham Forest and clubs in Saudi Arabia but ultimately signed a new one-year deal.

The former Brazil international has revealed the club want him to stay but insists no decision will be made on his future before the end of the season.

"Fulham have already signalled that they want me to stay," he told Brazilian outlet Trivela.

"They want me to stay, to renew my contract. But together with my agent, we've said that we'll only resolve this at the end of the season.

"I think the best way to do it at the moment is to tell them to wait, because I also have to decide if it's going to be here or if I'm going somewhere else, so I told them to wait a bit."

Silva has previously confirmed Fulham are in talks with Tosin Adarabioyo, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Kenny Tete over new contracts.

Standard Sport understands Adarabioyo is in line for a bumper new deal amid interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and AC Milan.

Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan has admitted the club will "have to consider" selling star midfielder Joao Palhinha should the right offer emerge.

Bayern Munich came close to signing the Portugal international last summer and he has since signed a new contract, although speculation in regard to his future has continued.

Speaking to talkSPORT last month, Khan said: "If an offer came along and it made sense for everyone, I think that's something you have to consider with every player at the right time.

"We want to keep him and we have kept him. He's been staying with us and there's a lot of demand. There's now a huge market for Joao Palhinha. Now, eyes have opened."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-transfer-news-willian-contract-2024-b1147963.html

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Preview: Sheffield United vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups
Both looking to build on positive results before the international break, Sheffield United and Fulham square off at Craven Cottage in Saturday's Premier League affair.

The Blades came away from Bournemouth's turf with a praiseworthy 2-2 draw three weeks ago, before the Cottagers hit a lacklustre Tottenham Hotspur for three without reply.

Match preview
While a swift return to the Championship appears inevitable for Chris Wilder's basement Blades, this weekend's hosts silenced the Vitality Stadium on March 9, where Gustavo Hamer and Jack Robinson propelled Sheffield United into an unexpected 2-0 lead versus Bournemouth.

The travelling crowd would have likely accepted a point if it were offered to them before kickoff, but this one left a particularly bitter taste in the mouth, as Dango Ouattara's majestic leap and header cut the deficit in half before the wide man turned provider for Enes Unal to snatch a draw for the Cherries.

As creditable as Sheffield United's efforts were on the South Coast, the grim reality of the situation remains the same for the Premier League's worst-performing side, who remain rooted to the foot of the division with a paltry 14 points and are eight adrift of safety.

The Blades can take a small slice of solace from the fact that they have a game in hand on their demotion rivals, and the eight-point gap to Luton Town in 17th is not entirely insurmountable, but few are holding out hope of Wilder's troops pulling off the latest great escape from the drop zone.

Twenty-four goals scored and 74 conceded represent the worst Premier League metrics of their kind in 2023-24, and home has certainly not been where the heart is for Sheffield United, who have set an unwanted English league record by shipping at least five goals in each of their last four Bramall Lane battles in all tournaments.

Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa and Arsenal have all had their way with the Blades on Sheffield soil in recent months, and Fulham ought to arrive in South Yorkshire confident of prolonging Wilder's home woes if their Tottenham trouncing is anything to go by.

Aided by arguably Spurs' worst performance of the Ange Postecoglou era so far, Fulham blew their London rivals to smithereens through a Rodrigo Muniz brace - his sixth and seventh goals from his last eight Premier League matches - either side of a Sasa Lukic finish, thereby sinking Tottenham at Craven Cottage for the second time this season following their EFL Cup shootout success.

That three-goal crushing two weeks ago marked a fourth win from six matches for the eye-catching Cottagers, who should enjoy a relatively simple cruise to the Premier League finish line as they reside in 12th position, just two points off a place in the top half and six further back of the European places.

A continental charge is therefore not out of the question, but Marco Silva's men have played at least one more match than most of the teams around them and head to Bramall Lane with just one win to show from their last 13 top-flight away games, although that did come at Manchester United's Old Trafford headquarters.

Silva's troops also ran out convincing 3-1 winners when Sheffield United paid a visit to Craven Cottage earlier this season, and victory at Bramall Lane this weekend would see Fulham do the top-flight double over the Blades for the first time in their history.

Sheffield United Premier League form:

    L    W    L    L    L    D

Fulham Premier League form:

    W    L    W    W    L    W


Team News
Following the four-goal thriller with Bournemouth, Wilder expressed hope that both Cameron Archer (calf) and Anis Ben Slimane (thigh) would be back for the visit of Fulham - the latter was not called up to the Tunisia squad as he focuses on his rehabilitation.

However, Chris Basham (ankle), John Egan (ankle), Max Lowe (ankle), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), Rhian Brewster (thigh) and Daniel Jebbison (illness) are all out of contention, and Wilder has only name-checked Egan for a possible return before the season is over.

Having only suffered a late capitulation in the final 20 minutes of the clash with Bournemouth, Wilder should see no reason to make significant starting lineup alterations, although Vinicius Souza could force his way back in over Tom Davies.

While Sheffield United have eight concerns to work around for the return of Premier League football, Fulham are only dealing with one fitness question mark, although it is a significant one as Muniz was forced off just past the hour mark against Tottenham.

Silva confirmed that Muniz had felt tightness in his hamstring, but his withdrawal was more precautionary than anything else, and he is expected to be fine to take his place in the Cottagers' XI at Bramall Lane.

As a result, Silva ought to field an untouched team from their exceptional derby win over Tottenham, as Lukic fends off Tom Cairney and Harrison Reed to partner Joao Palhinha on account of scoring his first Premier League goal last time out.


Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Grbic; Baldock, Robinson, Trusty; Bogle, Souza, Hamer, Arblaster, Osborn; Brereton Diaz, McBurnie

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson; Palhinha, Lukic; Iwobi, Pereira, Willian; Muniz

We say: Sheffield United 0-2 Fulham
The first international break of 2024 certainly came at a better time for Sheffield United as opposed to a Fulham side riding the crest of a wave, but the Blades' recent home failures make for incredibly worrying reading, and their defensive concerns remain alive and well.

Fulham's exploits on their travels have left much to be desired throughout the season too, but with seven-goal hitman Muniz fit and firing, we have faith in the visitors to emerge victorious and accelerate their hosts' return to the Championship.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/sheffield-united/relegation-battle/preview/preview-sheff-utd-vs-fulham-prediction-team-news-lineups_539922.html?cQx=NN&newsnow

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Fulham handed massive boost against Sheffield United after Calvin Bassey injury update
Calvin Bassey scored his first English Premier League goal in Fulham's 2-1 win over Manchester United at the Old Trafford Last Month.

Marco Silva's Fulham have a massive boost ahead of their weekend clash against Sheffield United, as Calvin Bassey's injury is not as serious as feared, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old versatile Nigerian defender joined the other Super Eagles players in Morocco as they set out to face the Black Stars of Ghana and Les Aigles of Mali.

The former Rangers man could not feature in both games as he picked up an injury, and had to return to London for further medical checks.

He, alongside Brentford's Frank Onyeka, left the Super Eagles camp before the loss against Mali, with the latter stating personal reasons to excuse himself from the rest of the team.

In a report published by The Standard UK, after initial assessments, Bassey's injury is not as bad as feared, and the former Ajax man should be able to complete his recuperation and be back to full fitness as the Cottagers travel to Bramall Lane, to be welcomed by Sheffield United.

Bassey played the entire ninety minutes as Fulham trashed Ange Postecoglu's Tottenham Hotspur at the Craven Cottage, just before the international break, thanks to a brace from Rodrigo Muniz and a third goal from Sasa Lukic.

Marco Silva's side are currently 12th on the English Premier League table, a point below Mauricio Pochetinno's Chelsea.

With just nine league games left for Fulham to play this season, a good run of form could see them end up in the UEFA Europa Conference League spots.



https://soccernet.ng/2024/03/fulham-handed-massive-boost-against-sheffield-united-after-calvin-bassey-injury-update.html

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Sheffield United injury update pre-Fulham amid George Baldock concern and Cameron Archer hope
Sheffield United looking for positive result on Premier League return against Fulham at Bramall Lane

George Baldock is "touch and go" in terms of fitness for Sheffield United's Premier League return against Fulham this weekend after limping off during Greece's Euro 2024 play-off heartbreak in Georgia earlier this week. The right-back suffered a calf issue, only weeks after making his first start of the year at Bournemouth before the international break.

It was the latest frustration in a season of them for the 31-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer and will hope to earn a new deal in the final 10 games of the season, and for United who have endured a succession of injuries to key men all through the current campaign.

"He came off with a calf injury," boss Chris Wilder confirmed. "We've assessed him and from his point of view, it's going to be touch and go. There's no getting away from that. Hopefully he will be but I don't think it's as bad as first feared and hopefully that'll be kept down to a minimum."

United will hope for a double injury boost in the shape of striker Cameron Archer and midfielder Anis Slimane to face the Cottagers, as they look to eat into the eight-point deficit to fourth-bottom Luton Town. "Cameron is a nearly, and Anis is a nearly as well," Wilder added. "So those were the main two we thought would be back available for us. I'm not going to give anything away because no-one gives anything to us but they won't be a million miles off. The rest of the international boys - including Arblaster, Osula, Anel - had no issues, so we're delighted with that.

"Ben [Brereton Diaz] got called up late and played some minutes so that was good for him and there's been some work for the likes of McBurnie. If I put in order what I'd like to speak about it wouldn't be injuries but it seems to be a major topic every week.

"We talked after the Bournemouth game about having to make physical substitutions because of the condition we're in. It's a little bit of a mixed bag in terms of all the moving parts."



https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-injury-update-pre-fulham-amid-george-baldock-concern-and-cameron-archer-hope-4573003

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Chris Wilder says addressing Sheffield United home form is essential against Fulham
Chris Wilder says Sheffield United have let down their supporters lately and they owe it to them to start addressing their home form on Saturday.

Fulham are the visitors to Bramall Lane, where the Blades have conceded 21 goals in losing their last four games, and have not scored in the most recent three.

The Blades have had three weeks without a game, during which time manager Chris Wilder has been planning for the long-term after visiting owner Prince Abdullah in Saudi Arabia, but he is also focused on more immediate matters.

"You've got to address it and look at it from a coaching staff and a manager's point of view going into these last 10 games," said Wilder.

"If we continue the way we have done over the last four or five games at home we're going to have no chance, it's as simple as that.

"It's about being defensively tight, (having a good) shape about the team, not giving anything away cheaply, making good decisions, having a desire to keep the ball out of the back of the net and from a mentality point of view of we do we go two, three or four like we've had done at home. It's really disappointing.

"We're not used to that here at Bramall Lane. It has been an incredible place to pick up points.

"We're going to have to have positive results from the last 10 games to give ourselves any sort of opportunity of getting the results we want. From a tactical point of view how do we go about? From a physical and mentality point of view, how do we go about it as well?

"All of those things have been discussed over the last two weeks. Of course your away form is huge but home is where the bulk of your points are picked up and where the majority of your supporters watch you and want to get behind you.

"We've certainly got to give them something to shout about because we've let them down more than we've let ourselves down over the last three or four games."

George Baldock is "touch and go" to after picking up a calf injury in their last match, a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on March 9 before the FA Cup quarter-finals and the international break.

Cameron Archer is close to returning, according to Wilder.

"He's a nearly, Anis Slimane's a nearly as well," he said. "Those were the main two we thought would be back available.

"I'm not going to give anything away because nobody gives anything to us cheaply.

"They're not going to be a million miles off.

"We've got (Oliver) Arblaster, (Will) Osula and Anel (Ahmedhodzic) coming back (from international duty), Ben Brereton Diaz got called up late (by Chile) and played some minutes so that was good for him."



https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/chris-wilder-says-addressing-sheffield-united-home-form-is-essential-against-fulham-4573015

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Pre-Sheff Utd Press Conference

Marco Silva knows Fulham are going to face a Sheffield United side battling for every single ball on Saturday afternoon.

The Blades need to start putting some wins together quickly if they're to have any hope of a great escape, but our Head Coach pointed to a battling display in their previous match at Bournemouth as to the threat they can pose.

"A team that is going to fight really hard to get the points, definitely," he said. "They are not in the position that they wanted, for sure.

"When you are at the bottom of the table, it's really tough, and every single game that you don't get points you know that you are getting more in trouble, all that stuff.

"But the reality is that, with some tough games, even some tough results as well, heavy results for them, they have been showing the capacity to react, and the last game is a good example.

"They went away from home, a tough place to go, and they were winning the game until the last stages of the match. They got just one point but it was a game where they performed well, they changed their formation, they changed some players as well.

"So of course we expect a tough game, it's always tough to play there, with the crowd, all the environment around.

"They are going to fight really hard because they still think that the chances are there for them to fight for, and they are going to do it to make it really hard for us."

Fulham, meanwhile, will be keen to improve on last season's 10th place finish, and when asked how motivated his side are heading into the run-in, Silva replied: "Full of motivation.

"You have some obligations, some things that are compulsory for us – it's about motivation, about desire and will to go every single time.

"Our commitment with the football club and with ourselves is to be always on the top, and it's going to be the same for us every time we play a football match.

"It's to do our maximum, with 100 per cent motivation. That is the way that I demand them to train every single day, and it would not make sense if we don't do that in the game again."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/march/28/pre-sheff-utd-press-conference/

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Marco Silva wants Rodrigo Muniz to relish new expectations at Fulham
The striker has found his feet in the Premier League in 2024.

Marco Silva believes the pressure on Rodrigo Muniz's shoulders is a "privilege" after the Fulham striker extended his scoring form against Tottenham.

The Brazilian has starred for the west Londoners in recent weeks, scoring seven goals in his last seven appearances in the Premier League, including an impressive brace in the 3-0 win over Ange Postecoglou's Spurs earlier this month.

Muniz's rise to become the Cottagers' main striker comes after he struggled for minutes at the start of the season, being out of favour and sitting behind Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius in the pecking order up front.

Speaking ahead of Fulham's clash with Sheffield United on Saturday, head coach Silva said: "The pressure is a privilege for Rodrigo's situation.

"He is in a much better position now than he was three months ago. Why should he feel so much pressure now? Three months ago he was on the bench and fighting to have a chance to score.

"He's playing so well, he's improving and working hard and scoring goals so why should he feel so much pressure now?

"The defenders are more aware of him and it's fantastic for a striker when you feel the people around you trust that you can solve the problems for us and that you can be a decisive player.

"I see it as a privilege rather than something which is not good."

Chris Wilder's Blades sit bottom of the table and are looking for just a fourth league win of the season after a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last time out snapped a three-match losing run.

Silva warned that his players cannot afford to be complacent and expects their hosts to bring the fight at Bramall Lane.

"If we go into the game complacent then we are going to have problems, we will be surprised," Silva added.

"We have to have the same ambition, focus and desire which we played the last few games with.

"They will fight really hard to get the points and they are not in a position they wanted, bottom of the table is tough and every game where you don't get points you are getting more in trouble.

"They have shown the capacity to react and their last game was an example."

Fulham's form of four wins in seven has seen them close the gap on teams in contention for European places and Silva insists motivation is high among his players to finish the season well.

"We are full of motivation," he said. "The motivation was really high against Tottenham and we felt that at Craven Cottage.

"It is about motivation, desire, the will to go every time and the commitment. We always have to be on top and it will always be the same for us. Every time we go into a match we have to do our maximum."



https://www.irishnews.com/sport/soccer/marco-silva-wants-rodrigo-muniz-to-relish-new-expectations-at-fulham-CEEKUUXHXBNERKWIFGPMXCYC5Y/

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Marco Silva gives verdict on new Fulham swimming pool plan for Craven Cottage
Cottagers unveil unique concept for hospitality guests

Marco Silva has welcomed Fulham's audacious plans to revamp the matchday hospitality experience at Craven Cottage, which will feature a rooftop swimming pool.

The new Riverside Stand, which is already part-open to Fulham fans, is set to become the home of the club's hospitality packages. The first photo concepts were released on Wednesday, including a CGI photo of the new 'Sky Deck', complete with a swimming pool.

Matchday experiences will also include a roof terrace, large restaurants, and food inspired by Michelin Star chefs. A statement from Fulham said ticket-holders can choose the package that suits them from April 9.

Addressing the club's luxury plans, Silva said: "What I want is to see, as soon as we can, the stand full of fans to support us. That's the main thing for me.

"It is something the club decided will help the club to grow and to develop, and more revenue in some situations.

"About myself, as a manager, and our players, what I would love to see and as soon as possible, is to see that stand full of people to support Fulham."

Meanwhile, Silva revealed he has held talks with Willian over the possibility of the Brazilian further extending his stay at Craven Cottage beyond the end of the season, but insists a decision will not be made yet.

Fulham found themselves in the same situation last year, before he renewed, and Silva recalled: "We decided to leave it until the end of the season, and this season is more or less the same. I've had some conversations with him, but he's going to wait until the end of the season."

The Cottagers expect to have a clean bill of health for Saturday's trip to Bramall Lane to face the Premier League's bottom club, Sheffield United, after assessments showed an injury concern that forced Calvin Bassey to leave Nigeria duty early this week was not as bad as first feared.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-swimming-pool-marco-silva-craven-cottage-b1148333.html

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Willian's future to be decided in summer, Silva says
Marco Silva says Willian's Fulham future will be decided at the end of the season.

The former Chelsea wide-man, 35, has impressed since a surprise return to west London from his native Brazil in 2022.

Last summer he signed a one-year deal to stay at Craven Cottage for this season and it remains to be seen whether he will remain for another campaign.

Whites boss Silva explained: "Willian's situation is more or less the same as last season.

"Last season he joined for just one year and wanted to see how the season went before he made a decision.

"I've had some conversations with him throughout this season and he's going to wait until the end of the season.

"With a player of his age, it's important to see how he's feeling at the end to take decisions and we respect that situation from him."

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to face strugglers Sheffield United, Silva was asked about the lavish facilities in Craven Cottage's new Riverside Stand, which were unveiled this week. They include a swimming pool.

"What I want is to see is the stands full of fans to support us. That's the main thing for me as manager," he said.

"All of the other facilities are not for us. It's really something that the club decided that will help club grow and have more revenue.

"What I would love to see is a stand full of people supporting Fulham Football Club."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/willians-future-to-be-decided-in-summer-silva-says

[WhiteJC]

Fulham XI vs Sheffield United: Calvin Bassey injury latest, predicted lineup and confirmed team news
Cottagers set for clean bill of health for Yorkshire journey

Fulham expect to travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Saturday with a clean bill of health.

Marco Silva's side sit 12th in the Premier League after impressive recent wins against Manchester United and Tottenham before the international break and will be expected to beat the bottom club Blades.

There was originally some concern over the fitness of Calvin Bassey, who returned to the club's Motspur Park training ground midway through the international break after an injury concern on Nigeria duty.

Assessments have since shown his problem was more minor than first feared, though, and he is expected to be fit for Saturday's match.

Rodrigo Muniz will again be expected to lead the line for Fulham, having hit goalscoring form since February with seven goals in the club's last seven league games.

Predicted Fulham XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Bassey, Adarabioyo, Robinson; Lukic, Palhinha; Iwobi, Pereira, Willian; Muniz

Date and time: 3pm GMT, Saturday March 30, 2024

Venue: Bramall Lane



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-xi-vs-sheffield-united-calvin-bassey-injury-latest-predicted-lineup-confirmed-team-news-b1148364.html

[WhiteJC]

Iwobi: Human First
"I always say to the mandem, I'm human first."

When Alex Iwobi came off social media in the aftermath of Nigeria's AFCON Final defeat, there was an outpouring of love and support.

The decision to take a step back was seen as a response to criticism over his performances during the tournament, and the midfielder has now opened up to reveal all.

Speaking to Project 17, a media initiative launched by Alex, he said: "I thought we just had to go there with no fear and say whatever happens, happens."

The Super Eagles stuttered in their opening game, falling behind against Equatorial Guinea before rescuing a draw.

"We thought it was a lucky escape. [After that] the manager's gone a bit defensive, put five at the back, and the next game's against the host nation who just won."

The change worked. An impressive 1-0 victory over the hosts Ivory Coast followed.

"Confidence is high thinking 'yeah this formation sticks, it'll work.' Then we win our next game, go through to the next round and everyone's on a high thinking 'ok there's a chance we can do something here.'

"We got to the Final and though we could beat the host nation again, but it just wasn't meant to be."

Nigeria had opened the scoring against the Elephants, but they eventually fell to a 2-1 defeat.

"It does help when you're the host. The fans, you're just seeing orange. So it does play a big part, although we don't think it fazed us. We just couldn't get out of our half with the ball."

Unbeknownst to Alex, the switch to a more defensive role – as well as the unforgiving West African climate – had raised questions from a fanbase accustomed to a more attack-minded player.

"Bro, it's hot out there! Minimal air, bro! It's not an excuse, but playing a game every four days in those conditions was tough.

"Everyone said 'why is Alex not being creative?' but I've been told to keep the ball, manage the ball. That's the role I was told to do.

"I didn't see it but when we had to get interviewed, I got asked where the creativeness that I had at Fulham was. I was thinking 'is there like a speculation or something?' Then I found out later what was going on."

But supporters who assumed the temporary social switch-off was as a result of that criticism were mistaken.

"I'm really tired of socials, really and truly. I'd rather just be real. I've seen people come off social like Stormzy and Jay Z. I feel like them man live life peacefully.

"I don't want people to think I'm affected because I'm not, so we came to the conclusion that I needed to jump back on socials."

Since his return to Fulham - and his usual attacking role - Alex has found the net twice, including a last-gasp winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Does he ever think about proving the doubters wrong?

"It's not about having a point to prove. I'm literally just giving my best every time I touch the pitch."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/march/28/iwobi--human-first/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva offers update on Willian's Fulham future as contract runs down
The end of the season is nigh and Fulham will have some big decisions to make.

Relegation certainly isn't a fear right now with Fulham almost mathematically safe from the drops after some superb results.

Wins over Manchester United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur have made Fulham a team that nobody wants to face right now.

Marco Silva seems to be really building something special but there are some big storylines heading towards the summer.

Antonee Robinson has been linked with Chelsea whilst midfielder Joao Palhinha continues to be linked away from Craven Cottage.

Armando Broja's loan spell from Chelsea will come to an end and Fulham must weigh up whether to try and keep him around.

Fulham must also figure out a few contracts and Willian's future will again come into focus.

Willian only penned a one-year deal in 2022 and he nearly walked away last summer, even undergoing a medical at Nottingham Forest.

The Brazilian instead signed a new one-year contract with Fulham, meaning he is again set to become a free agent this summer.

Marco Silva on Willian
Willian has continued to be a key player for Fulham, starting 19 Premier League games and coming off the bench in another five.

Four goals and two assists isn't an incredible record but Willian has bee important from a creative perspective.

Now approaching his 36th birthday, Willian's future is up for debate once again.

Do Fulham try and secure another one-year deal or move on from Willian in an attempt to bring in a younger talent?

We can't see Fulham offering more than one year having failed to do so last year, even when Forest offered a two-year deal.

Willian's future is unclear and boss Silva has now offered the latest.

Speaking to The Athletic's Peter Rutzler, Silva indicated that he has spoken to Willian about his future, but the playmaker wants to wait until the summer to finalise his decision.

"We decided to leave it until the end of the season, and this season is more or less the same. I've had some conversations with him, but he's going to wait until the end of the season," said Silva.

It sounds like Fulham are at least open to keeping Willian but he wants to keep his options open.

Maybe Willian fancies ending his career in Brazil, or maybe he fancies a switch to Saudi Arabia having seen a move there break down last summer.

Fulham won't be throwing money at Willian to convince him to stay and it would be wise to have potential replacements in mind in case he does he decide to move on.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/03/28/marco-silva-offers-update-on-willians-fulham-future-as-contract-runs-down/