Bernd Leno admitted that Fulham were well below their usual standards in last night’s defeat at AFC Bournemouth.
The German goalkeeper told Fulham’s official website that the Whites had to take the blame for their failure to match the Cherries’ intensity from the first whistle:
“I think it’s our fault that we lost. The first 20-25 minutes we were not on point. I think it was not our [usual] level, and we were lucky that it was just 1-0. At the end we tried everything, I think the second half was much, much better, but I think Bournemouth defended really well, and in the end there was nothing for us.
We knew that they would come with a lot of energy, [they are a] very physical side, very good side, and we missed all of that in the first 20, 25 minutes, and they punished us for that. We had a lot of chances, a couple of headers, dangerous crosses, but in the end the last percentage was missing. Maybe like the speed of the ball, a lot of balls straight at the ‘keeper, but as I said, Bournemouth defended really well, really deep in the second half so it was really hard to score a goal, or even create good chances.”
Leno believes that Fulham remain in a strong position to challenge for European football – and wants to bounce back by doing the double over Chelsea on Sunday.
“I think it’s been a wonderful season. We’re still in a very good position, still in a very good moment. Even with the defeat today, it’s still a very good season. We have six games to go and we are still in touch to go to Europe, so I think that says everything. All our games are very tight, and if we can get more consistency and have a winning streak, win a couple of games in a row, I think we go for sure to Europe. But that’s the Premier League, it’s all about details, margins, and hopefully we can win a couple more games in the last six.
“We had a fantastic game on Boxing Day against Chelsea. We won last minute at Stamford Bridge. We have a couple more days to prepare. Chelsea play on Thursday in the Conference League so they will lose a little bit of energy, but we expect a top side. I think Chelsea is a top, top team, and we need a perfect game to beat them at home.”
Winning every other game is far more rewarding than drawing them all of course…but the inconsistency is very difficult to understand.
Lack of luck, abysmal officiating etc. don’t quite explain it.
Being reduced to 10 on the field when ESR came on was though, entirely, absolutely inexplicable…a terrible mistake by Silva.
I mean him no ill whatever, its a shame but ESR should not be on the subs bench at all let alone ever participate.
A very fair and honest verdict from Bernd. It was not a good performance from the whole team. Surprising as it was the same eleven that deservedly defeated the mighty Liverpool. Really hard to understand as watching the game I didn’t see anyone giving less than 100%. They all tried until the final whistle but only managed to create 2 clear cut in the 90 minutes.
I think this forum is an excellent place where fans can voice their opinions but I can’t believe the amount of negativity. Since Marco’s arrival we have improved each season despite having our best players cherry picked by the big clubs. We can now go toe to toe with the big boys. This was unthinkable 4 years ago.
I’m sure the manager and players must visit this forum and can’t help wondering how they must feel to read some of the comments. Why always pick on the same players i.e. Castagne and ESR when others are just as culpable. For example Bournemouth’s goal when Castagne lost the ball in the opponents half, Berger missed a tackle in midfield Robinson like a statue as the winger went past him, Andersen turned inside out and Bassey not even in camera shot. Oh of course it’s Castagne’s fault. As for the treatment ESR gets I find it unbelievable. He is obviously a good player who lacks confidence and self belief and these comments do nothing to help him. He wears the Fulham badge and as such should have the support of the fans, more so than the cult heros who seem to be beyond reproach.
Leno seems to have the right attitude we win as a team and lose as a team.
Look forward to your opinions
Spot on CB and Leno too! Beat Chelsea and we’re on for a Euro place! Superb season, thanks Marco
COYW
Well I can only imagine that the usual suspects are criticised because they are the ones not performing in a game. I’m quite sure that every Fulham fan wants players to do well because, then, the team does well. But, if the same players are consistently sub-par, then something is obviously wrong.
Why that is perceived as being negative is beyond me. Are we supposed to just ignore the obvious, bury our heads in the sand and say nothing. Pretending that all in the garden is rosy is nonsensical.
As for Smith Rowe, in particular, he cost us a great deal of money and has not lived up to expectations. The very least we can expect, confidence and self belief lacking or not, is more effort. But his application is minimal. Or that’s how it seems to me when I watch him.
I would be over the moon if he came good but there’s a reason why Arteta sold him and why Silva, earlier in the season, subbed him so often and, now, doesn’t select him as a first choice. Players can be forgiven for a loss of form but not a lack of effort in my book.
But, just because, Fulham players visit this forum, which I very much doubt, we are not supposed to speak the truth?
I wish Marco Silva would visit HammyEnd because he might do something about giving us a genuine captain.
As for cult heroes being beyond reproach, who exactly? Robinson is, probably, the closest we have to a cult hero but, if he plays badly (which has been a regular occurrence of late) I say so. Ryan Sessegnon? Can’t quite see it. I am at a loss here. I don’t think we have that many current players that can be classed as cult heroes. Maybe, it refers to players of the past? Maybe not as they rarely get a mention.
There’s no disputing that Marco Silva has been a great manager for us and we are, now, more than capable of giving any Premiership side a tough game. But that’s exactly why it is so disappointing when we let ourselves down and don’t perform to our level.
Of course it’s bound to happen on occasion but it happens far to often with this side and, unfortunately, it’s usually the same players that are the cause.
I’m sure that Marco Silva recognises this and, in the summer, will address those positions that need strengthening. At least, I hope so. It would be a poor manager that did not do so.
In the meantime, I, for one, will be genuinely cheering on my team and hoping that we can finish the season on a real high and I will continue to voice my feelings on this excellent forum.
We all love Fulham FC, I’m sure and only want the best for the team.