Slavisa Jokanovic praised his players for ‘a very good performance’ after Fulham leapfrogged Derby to go fourth in the Championship with a 2-1 win at Pride Park this afternoon.
The Serbian head coach was delighted with Fulham’s application throughout an absorbing contest, which they controlled from the outset after early goals from Aleksandr Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon. Jokanovic told his post-match press conference that he was frustrated Fulham couldn’t kill off the game in the second half and became a little more concerned once Tom Huddlestone had pulled a goal back for the hosts.
We played a very good football game and gave a good performance. We scored two goals, [but] missed the chance to be more clinical and kill the game. We made some chances to kill the game but didn’t do it. Derby scored a goal and when that happens in the Championship you are always in trouble.
We were in trouble in the last few minutes, fortunately we won the three points, and it’s great news for us as we keep going. I always enjoy it when I win the game. I believe my players are enjoying playing in this style.
The Fulham boss had words of praise for Fulham’s travelling support, who he believes helped the Whites hold on for a vital victory in their promotion push.
I believe our supporters are satisfied and are enjoying this way that we chose. Especially today, it was really important support on a really cold, really bad day. We brought a full stand, around 2,000 supporters, which is fantastic for us. They pushed us, and I believe they are enjoying themselves.
Jokanovic also reasserted his view that Sessegnon, who followed up a double award-wining week with his fourteenth goal of the season, was worthy of an England call-up.
I didn’t take any risk because working with this man I start using him at 16 and one month or something. At the end, to make this decision is not easy but if some coaches work with him for two works, he will use him, and I believe he can be part of the English national team for World Cup.
I recommend the people or choose, but nobody can make a mistake with this kid. He deserves everything and I believe, if not this time, soon he will be in [a] big competition or [at the] top around the world. Some players play at 38 and they are so old – so this is between being so young or old. It’s a relative thing.
He is really experienced for a player of his age. He showed the quality and I repeat if the national team coach doesn’t take this decision this time – this guy will be pushed for the next European Championships. If he doesn’t have any extra problem, he will be a top player.
Two years ago I took the decision to play with this kid and two years ago he became a man. He gives his team-mates, myself and the club so many things and we try from our side to support him and make him better.
