From the Press Box: Sess and Fulham are "a perfect match" says Silva
Jack Kelly gives us the lowdown from Marco Silva's latest press conference.
Fulham have just five games to go this season and face an uphill task to qualify for Europe. After results in midweek, Fulham are still only just four points off of seventh place, and only three points off of eighth.
So, tomorrow’s early kick-off is a must win, but Fulham’s recent record against Unai Emery’s side has been poor, losing their last six games home and away. Fulham need to put their recent form in front of goal behind them as the games and time begin to run out.
Marco Silva confirmed that Kenny Tete is out again. Both him and Kevin are back on the the training pitch, but it’s too early to see them back in action. Alex Iwobi will also be absent following his hamstring injury he picked up last week.
"Really bad news to lose a player like Iwobi. Kenny is still out, but back on the grass. More involved. Kevin is doing individual work but will be out. Difficult to say a time-scale on Alex, but back before the end of the season."
Following the sacking that occurred this week just down the road, it felt inevitable that Silva would be asked about it this afternoon. He quickly shut down those questions, and reiterated there was no news regarding his contract.
“Why is it different this week? It’s not different at all.
“For me, it’s the same, and it’s the same answer that I said to you last week.
“I will not make comments about it every single week.
“When there is something new it is going to come from myself and the club.
“Everything that I need, or the club needs to do with me, is going to be between me and the club.”
The good news that came this week was that Ryan Sessegnon’s club option was triggered, keeping him at the club until the end of next season. Silva hinted that the 25 year old could extend his stay further.
“It means a lot for me and I hope that soon he can extend more. It was just an extension; we triggered the option. Let’s hope we can do something different the next few months because he’s going to be very important for the football club”, said Silva.
“He’s a player that I really love, not just because he did grow in our football club as a boy, a man, and his quality as a football player, always with an open mind to learn and to do better. We can use him in many different ways, very versatile, technical point of view, he’s a very good player.”
Three points tomorrow will not only keep Fulham’s season alive, but put pressure on those above. Brighton, Bournemouth, and Chelsea have already played an extra game and Brentford play on Monday night at Old Trafford.
Anything less would be detrimental to Fulham’s European hopes. Fulham did win their last home game against Burnley, so will be looking to make it back-to-back wins at Craven Cottage.
COYW!