Slavisa Jokanovic was extremely pleased with the way his young Fulham side saw off a spirited fightback from Leyton Orient to reach the second round of the EFL Cup at Brisbane Road.
The Fulham head coach handed four youngsters first-team debuts as he made eleven changes from the side that surprised Newcastle in their first league fixture on Friday night. All four caught the eye with Dennis Adeniran opening the scoring as the Whites won an enthralling contest 3-2.
It was a good game in the end. After they scored their goal they put us in some trouble. I used many young players and players who I didn’t give many minutes to in the first Championship game. I can clear my mind. I have some sort of conclusion about what I have in my hands, and generally it’s interesting times for us.
It’s a great project for the football players. They’ve knocked the door, now it’s a question of if they’re going to push the door down and come in to professional football life. They played very good football and showed quality and great character. It’s good news for us and good news for Fulham too.
They are working hard. Ryan Sessegnon is a talented boy. It’s a great project for the football players, I’m sure he will participate this year in all competitions.
Generally we have to assess him and try and help him. He’s working in the Championship, he’s competition for the adults. He’s ready for some part of this kind of competition, and we have to be careful about him. I believe he’s going to be an important player in English football, but this player, this man or this boy needs time.
