Slavisa Jokanovic reassured the Fulham fans that he ‘never had any plans to leave’ Craven Cottage after watching his young side dump Premier League Middlesbrough out of the EFL Cup.
The Serbian head coach’s future had been the subject of fevered speculation since Saturday’s press conference following the draw with Cardiff City where he had laid the plan for Fulham’s threadbare squad at the feet of data analyst Craig Kline, who he blamed for blocking potential transfers. But Jokanovic, who saluted the performance of several of the club’s academy graduates against Boro, insisted that he was merely pointing out that he wanted a stronger squad to compete throughout the course of the Championship campaign and was eager to enjoy a successful spell in south west London.
I never had any plan to leave Fulham. If I complain about something it is because I want the best for my team, my team-mates, the supporters too and I was very clear what is my opinion about this situation and that is it. I am still in the same position and believe we need more people to be stronger in the future.
Jokanovic said he felt immensely ‘proud’ of his team after he made ten changes from the side that drew against Cardiff and his young charges rallied after falling behind to David Nugent’s header to earn a place in the third round draw after extra time.
I have to be proud. We showed quality, we showed the right spirit, we showed character. I am proud of what they have done in the game and how they fought
