Slavisa Jokanovic believes both his players and the fans believe that Fulham can make a late run for the Premier League after the Whites saw off ten-man Aston Villa 3-1 at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
The Serbian head coach was encouraged by the quality of Fulham’s display and has identified a new mood of optimism sweeping around Craven Cottage. Goals from the recalled Ryan Sessegnon, Sone Aluko and Neeskens Kebano – coupled with Leeds’ home defeat by Wolves – took Fulham into the top six by the close of play.
We showed quality, we showed character, and we showed that we believe in our way of playing football. This really encourages us for the last three games in the regular part of the Championship.
Today there was a fantastic atmosphere in Craven Cottage. I believe we can do important things, my players believe this too. And today I start to believe our supporters also believe we can finish in the top-six and fight for the Premier League. Now the next step is the most important, and we must be focused and concentrated on Huddersfield.
Jokanovic is delighted that Fulham’s free flowing football is delivering results in tense end-of-season encounters and wants his side to finish the campaign in the same way.
We must be satisfied, I believe Fulham play attractive football. The most important thing is to win the game, I understand perfectly, but we believe this is the best way for us, and we’re going to try and finish this Championship in a similar style.
The Fulham boss is too wily to take any for granted and knows that Leeds will be eager to leapfrog Fulham when they take on Burton Albion at the weekend whilst the Whites face a tricky assignment at Huddersfield.
In this competition it’s not easy to win any game, and we’re facing a top Championship team [Huddersfield] who’s still fighting for promotion to the Premier League. Leeds are going to play against Burton who are fighting in a relegation battle, and both games are complicated.
