Marco Silva says the performances of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze and Fulham’s fine start to life in the Premier League show that the Championship can’t be underestimated.
The Whites head to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace, whose investment in second tier stars Olise and Eze have paid dividends this afternoon. The Fulham head coach – who surprised plenty of pundits by succeeding Scott Parker at Craven Cottage last summer – has a healthy appreciation for the Championship, insisting that the experience of grinding out results at the level was the perfect preparation for competing back amongst the English elite.
Silva said:
“It’s one of the competitions that if you follow, you can find quality players and players who are ready to play in the Premier League. It’s not easy to buy players from the Championship, because if you see the money spent on Eze and Olise, it’s always tough. But it is a really tough competition that prepares you well for the Premier League. If they have the talent then they can show it in the Premier League.”
The Portuguese boss knows his side will face a tough challenge at Palace today, with Patrick Vieira’s side seeking a fourth straight home league win for the first time since 1990.
“I can say they are stronger at that ground, definitely. Not because they change playing away from home, they have the same idea and same style. But it’s a normal situation; we feel stronger at home, and they show the same. I have to say, they are a very good team. They are always really tough to play against at home. But we know our quality and we are a tough team to play against as well.”
