Damien Duff admits he can’t wait for Fulham’s mouthwatering Europa League clashes which begin this week.
The Irish international scored his first goal for his new club yesterday – it proved to be the winner against Everton – and, although he insists that the Premier League remains Fulham’s priority, he says Roy Hodgson’s side will take the European adventure seriously.
Duff says he’ll be raring to go in Sofia on Thursday night, having declared himself fit for the game against CSKA Sofia despite being taken off as a precaution after he picked up a knock towards the end of Sunday afternoon’s win.
I was a bit nervous when it jarred but I don’t think it’s a major problem.
We’re not planning on letting it [Europe] become a major negative factor. Obviously the travelling can be hard at times but the group we’ve been drawn in (Fulham’s other Europa rivals are AS Roma and FC Basel) gives us some nice games, which will give the whole place a lift.
Hopefully we can carry that into our League programme. I think it’s exciting and when you’re excited you’re not thinking about burning out.
According to the Standard report, it was a conversation between Duff and Clint Dempsey that meant Fulham’s new signing lined up on the right of a four-man midfield rather than his useful left wing role. Duff had been deployed there for his country last weekend – and delivered a terrific cross for Robbie Keane’s crucial winner in Cyprus – and was apparently keen to repeat the experiment against Everton.
Interesting about Duff and Dempsey. Like most fans I was confused that they should both start on the ‘wrong wing’. But with the number of efforts on goal by both players it is hard to argue that they knew what they were doing. Who would have thought it?
Yeah i was thinking much the same Lighthouse, but I did like the way Duff was both able to cut inside onto his left foot (like he did for the goal) and was willing to cross with his right. The ball he send over for Dempsey’s header midway through the first half was outstanding. Maybe that could become his regular position.
I think Dempsey and Konchensky have a great understanding between them on the left side of the field, and thats why Duff is playing on the right. Roy is turning Duff into another Dempsey clone on the right, with the backs supporting and overlapping. It was a delight to see Davies’ familiar face and game, his first time cross was a thing of beauty, unfortunately Zamora, who had a good game, didnt connect properly and get his deserved goal.
Interesting points FulhamFanQ8. Konchesky and Dempsey obviously do have a good understanding, but I’m still a little concerned about Konch’s defensive game.
It was noticeable that Duff did a lot more tracking back yesterday than he did against Chelsea and Aston Villa. Perhaps that’s a product of a bit more time on the training ground and getting to learn the system.
No doubt that if Duff is going to be transformed into a right winger that Simon Davies would be worried. He’d have to do very well to displace Duff and Dempsey, although he’s a very good player and it’s great to see him back.
Demps deserves to keep his left wing job anyway. I think it suits him better and was pleased to see them lining up as they did. And it seems to be the modern way doesn’t it?
I suppose its the problem all managers want- not knowing who to start! I agree with FulhamfanQ8 about the good understanding between Konch and Dempsey. I think I highlighted that point a while back after a Euorpa League game? We can be particularly lethal dow that left hand side. I think that with Duff on the other side looking good and Davies and Riise pushing for spots, our midfield will not let us down. And as I am regularly told on the Hockey pitch when I play- there is safety in numbers.
The system Roys plays works for Fulham and I hope it stays!
Rich – It does seem the modern way. Many traditional managers wouldn’t have dreamed of trying it, although reading Inverting the Pyramid, it’s clear that this sort of tactical innovation did take place amongst the more enlightened coaches.
Lydia – Yeah, every manager wants that kind of selection headache. You did make the point about our left side after the Vetra game I think and you are spot on about the competition for places too.
Incidentially, the Guardian picked up on your left-sided theory today:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/…/fulham-everton-premier-league