From the press box: Silva says form doesn't change January plans
Jack Kelly updates us from Marco Silva’s final press conference of 2025.
If you thought the Christmas period was a busy time for Fulham, try four games in 10 days to kick-off 2026.
Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Chelsea and Middlesbrough are Fulham’s next four opponents - add to that the opening of the January transfer window, and Fulham and myself are in for a busy start to the new year.
Off the back of three wins in a row, Silva was in high spirits in today’s press conference. No fresh team news ahead of our visit to the pride of South London, but Silva did state that he anticipates Rodrigo Muniz to return to action in “mid-February”.
Reports suggest Adama Traore is close to the exit door, with a move to West Ham firmly on, but the Fulham boss plainly stated otherwise.
“Adama will be in contention tomorrow. I haven't received an offer for Adama Traore."
Tomorrow may be an an indicator of where we’re at with that deal, with Fulham having only three attacking options on the bench in their last three games, with Adama being one of them.
Silva said that he wants 2026 to be another year of progress. Fulham made big strides in 2025. Breaking our points tally record, reaching an FA Cup quarter-final, and smashing our transfer record for a second year running. All things considered, it has been a good year for Fulham.
The good run of form we’re on could continue against Oliver Glasner’s Eagles, who haven’t chalked up a win in any competition since their late win at the Cottage in early December. With injuries to Chris Richards, Eddie Nketiah and a few more key players, Fulham will hope to repeat their successes of their last trip to Selhurst Park. Fulham scored four that day but VAR cancelled out two goals.
Some more quotes from Silva, firstly - on Fulham’s busy fixture schedule.
"Big challenge. Incredible, the load of the games is very difficult. After the Palace games, it's almost impossible to prepare and recover players. The risk is big big to lose players. We have a possible plan on paper for the load of the players.
"The last few results for us doesn't change what we need to do in the window. We all agree (staff, board) what we need. Nothings changed, we have full ambition this season. It's clear what we need, the board is trying to get those positions we need.
"It's unfair to start talking about what positions we need. The more quality & competition you have, the better you train, the better chance you have of being successful."
I’m looking forward to January - plenty of games, rumours and hopefully signings to get stuck into. Happy New Year to all the Fulham fans! Let’s hope we start 2026 with a bang!