Alex Iwobi has set Europe as Fulham’s target for the new campaign – after the Whites came so close to qualifying for continental competition last season.
The Nigerian international told the Standard:
“Everyone wants to play in Europe. I have played in Europe before – I want a taste of it again. Everyone was pleased [last season], but it’s just a stepping stone to improve, to hopefully finish in the top 10, hopefully finish in the Europa Conference League spot – that’s the aim for this season.”
The versatile midfielder, who enjoyed the best goalscoring return of his career last season, heaped praise on Marco Silva, the man who managed him at Everton and bought him to Craven Cottage.
“He is one to show his emotions, he is going to fight for the team. But off the pitch, you can talk to him. He is so easy-going and so easy to talk to. One thing about him is, if you’re willing to work, he will do his best to improve your game. His door is always open for a conversation. He always says to me, when I am happy is when I play my best football. I have always seen football as fun, ever since I was a kid.
I was blessed to come through an Arsenal team with Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez – but I am really happy at Fulham. The style of play is almost close to the style when I was breaking through at Arsenal – the system, structure and how we want to play.”
Iwobi has backed Fulham’s record signing Emile Smith Rowe to come good in his second season in SW6.
“The thing about Emile – everyone knows his qualities. When you train with him, when you see him playing constantly, you know the sort of player he is. The main struggle he had was just remaining fit. That is when you get the best out of him. He just needs to remain fit and I am sure everyone will see the best of Emile.”
Iwobi, recently banned from using Snapchat in the dressing room after revealing that Tom Cairney had signed a new contract before Fulham had formally announced the deal, also talks up the prospect of Reiss Nelson making a positive contribution if he returns to the Cottage.
“It’s the same with Reiss. His style of play is very explosive. He is very sharp. I just hope that he returns fit and healthy as soon as possible. It would be nice for him to come back to Fulham, because we know the sort of player he is. I can try to be an agent – but I am not! There is a specific group chat – I am not going to name names – but a lot of people are pressuring him, trying to find out what is going on! Me, I am not one of them!”
