Fulham coach Marco Silva spoke to the press ahead of our Boxing Day return to Premier League action and on the day, we learned of the deeply sad news of the passing of George Cohen.
Marco Silva said: “It’s really important for us to start with some words about the situation. Of course, he’s a huge loss for us, for us as a football club and for English football as well. Of course, as the manager, I send all our condolences for his family and our thoughts are on him and his family right now. He is one of the biggest examples of the story of this football club. I think the numbers speak for themselves. I know what he represents for this football club. Always a really important person not just when he was playing but after that as well. He is important not just for our football club, but for all English football, he is a really important person.”
Looking ahead to Boxing Day’s fixture away to Crystal Palace, Marco offered an update on the squad.
Marco Silva said: “Some players, they started working with the team this week; some are not fully fit yet. It’s too soon because as you know, we have more sessions until the match. Robinson was one of the players that wasn’t available for the last match against West Ham. Mitro has some issues and is another one and the situation of course, apart from Kebano that you know, he has a long-term injury.”
Marco was asked about the World Cup break and how he, his staff and players have adapted to the break in Premier League football.
Marco Silva said: “Unusual situation for all of us I think. I think all the managers, they will say the same because a break this time, a long six week break, is a long break. I think we adapt really well for the situation. We followed our players in the World Cup. After a small break, we did a good camp with our players, some good weeks here at the training ground as well and we are ready to go again.”
Fulham and Crystal Palace have a very similar record in the Premier League this season, both sitting on 19 points and Marco knows it will be a difficult game.
Marco Silva said: “We want to go again on the right track and of course, to get points, that it will be a good time again. In my opinion, (they are) a very good side. Collectively, they are good and they have very good organisation on the ball. They have the quality to play and to create and to be always a threat for the opposition side. At home, with the support of their fans, they normally are even stronger. They have the quality, they have about three or four players in the frontline that are always a threat and they can create problems. It’s a game that will demand from ourselves. Very good organisation. But more than that, the character and the personality to go into that match.”
