Sylvain Legwinski is ready to step into a leadership role with Fulham this season – but wants a number of the club’s senior players to support young manager Chris Coleman.
The French midfielder feels the Whites are in good shape ahead of the new campaign after a stern workout against Old Firm giants Celtic last week and brushed aside any concerns following his head injury sustained in a fiercely competitive pre-season friendly.
“My head is alright. “I needed a few stitches but it’s just a cut. I saw Zat falling down and the ball was quite high so I thought I’d go for it. Zat rose up so quickly that I just had time to take the ball before he kicked me in the head. I will still be able to train and play matches – it’s no problem.
We had a good game on Thursday, Celtic are a good side – they reached the UEFA Cup final last season and are full of confidence. They played a stronger side in the first half and we had a few problems coping with their formation. But I think we did well in the second half.”
The introduction of Academy graduates Zesh Rehman, Adam Green, Mark Hudson and Malik Buari was also a good indication for the future. Whilst some were played out of their natural positions they all displayed the technical abilities necessary to establish themselves in the Premiership. They all did very well. It’s good to see that we have young players who are able to play in the first team. It’s very important for the spirit of the side.
The infrastructure here for the development of young players is very good. I think we have to thank Jean Tigana, Christian Damiano and Steve Kean for that. The Club has been organised in such a way that the main focus is on the development of young players.”
Coleman appears set to name a new captain for the coming season shortly with Andy Melville set to miss the start of the Premier League through injury, but Legwinski played down the importance of that position saying he wants to see eleven leaders out on the field.
“Andy Melville is a good captain and everybody respects him. You can still be a captain without the armband. We really need to have other players who take responsibility during matches not just one. I’m very pleased that the manager mentioned me but whether I have the armband or not, I will try to have a positive influence on the players around me.”
