Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic professed himself delighted with his side’s professional display in the opening game of the season as they saw off promotion favourites Newcastle in front of the Sky cameras at Craven Cottage.
The Whites triumphed thanks to Matt Smith’s winner on the stroke of half time with the former Leeds forward powering home a header from Tom Cairney’s corner. Jokanovic was pleased by Fulham’s resolution in defence which marked a significant shift from his first few months in charge at the club as well as their pace and vitality in the final third.
The Serbian coach told BBC Radio London after the final whistle:
My players were very organised, we stuck to the plan, we suffered together during the game and we deserve the good result.
My job is here, and there are many big names like Newcastle, we’re a big name too. It’s an important competition with many clubs of big histories and both fans were really good tonight. This is only the start but we have to be ready for what comes next.
