Marco Silva
Fulham Boss Marco Silva praised the professionalism of his team’s FA Cup win over Hull. After making seven changes to the side, goals from Layvin Kurzawa and Dan James secured Fulham’s place in the next round.
Marco Silva said: “Job done, a professional win as well. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing, it’s always difficult to play these types of games. First half, they started on the front foot but the goal gave us a little bit more calmness which we needed in that moment. Second half, we controlled the game but we were not the team that we normally are, that tries to go and score goals. We controlled the ball but not with a clear aim to punish them. At the end they changed formation with two strikers and it was a moment where we struggled a little bit and they believed until the end. I think that’s a normal situation in this competition.”
Both managers fielded much-changed starting 11s, although Marco was satisfied that his matchday squad was good enough.
Marco Silva said: “Sometimes it’s not easy to create the connections that I like to see on the pitch when you change so many players, but it was a moment for them to pop up and show their quality. At the same time, we had a strong bench and we want to have all the players involved because it’s an important competition for us and we have to keep our momentum. We had some young lads on the bench as well. Luke (Harris) is young but he’s more than ready, and Callum (McFarlane) as well. I was prepared to bring them on but the way the game went in the last minutes, I tried to keep more balance in our team.”
Kurzawa’s first-half finish opened his account for the club, and Marco was impressed with more than just the left-back’s goal.
Marco Silva said: “On the ball he’s a top, top player. Where he’s played before in his career speaks for itself. The last two seasons have been difficult for him but he’s a very good player. He has quality on the ball and he always gives us something different in attack.”
Victory in the cup continues Fulham’s lightning form since returning to action.
Marco Silva said: “I think the numbers speak for themselves after the World Cup break. In 13 days we’ve won four games and have three clean sheets away from home. The types of feelings after the matches that we’re getting is important for us to keep the momentum.”
