Marco Silva wants to enjoy even more ‘special moments’ at Fulham
Saturday’s match with Southampton will be the first at Craven Cottage since George Cohen died
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fulham boss Marco Silva has challenged his side to get even better after enjoying a “special” 2022.
The Craven Cottage outfit are ninth in the Premier League and host Southampton on Saturday eager to end the year on a high.
Silva’s side stormed to the Sky Bet Championship title last season, scoring 106 goals and have adapted well to life back in the top flight but their Portuguese manager is not ready to settle.
He told a press conference: “It’s been really special. The way we got the title, the way we were so dominant.
“After that, we knew it was important to start this Premier League chapter in the same way.
“There have been special moments for us in 2022 but we want more.”
A key figure in the Whites’ memorable 12 months has been Tim Ream, who signed a new deal with the club on Monday after scoring in the 3-0 win at Crystal Palace.
The American centre-back was hailed by Silva and has regularly worn the armband this season.
“He’s been unbelievable since I joined the football club,” Silva insisted.
“It’s been a really impressive 18 months for him. Many people doubted him in the Premier League, but he’s playing at the same level he did last season.
“He deserved another year on his contract.”
Saturday’s fixture with Southampton will be Fulham’s first at Craven Cottage since World Cup winner George Cohen died.
The club are set to honour the England great and will have former boss Roy Hodgson in attendance, after Hodgson asked Silva during his punditry role with Amazon Prime on Monday if he could come to the match.
Silva added: “Roy is always very welcome at our football club. He is someone I have all the respect for.
“It will be an emotional moment, a moment for us to be all together again (for Cohen).”
Aleksandar Mitrovic was a doubt for the Boxing Day fixture at Palace with a foot injury but starred with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win and will lead the line against Southampton.
“He is ready. I’m not saying he’s 100 per cent fit, but he’s getting better,” Silva confirmed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments