Ayite

Fulham are one of the best sides to watch in the country according to Floyd Ayite, but need to tighten up at the back in order to keep pace with the Championship’s top six.

The Togolese winger scored his fourth goal for the Whites in a pulsating 2-2 draw with Derby County yesterday, but speaking before that match to the Football League Paper, Ayite insisted the Londoners can return to the top flight by continuing the excellent form that has seen them move closer towards the play-off places. The former Bastia man is convinced that they need to become more miserly in defence, however, if they are to achieve Slavisa Jokanovic’s ultimate goal of promotion.

The 28 year-old, speaking through a translator, said:

We are the second highest scores in the division. We score a lot of goals and this shows we play good football. Sometimes, though, we are a little bit open and that is something we need to consider. We concede a lot of goals and now we have to find the right balance between attacking and defending. If we can, this will show we are an effective side.

Once we have worked on this problems, we can look ahead and be positive about the future and the rest of the season. I think we are one of the best sides who plays really good football and I think we have a very good chance of reaching the top six. If we can continue to attack like we did, we have a very good chance.

Ayite admits that he has been surprised with how easily he has settled in London, although he is still wrestling with the language.

I am making progress with my English every day. It isn’t easy. There are certain codes which you understand on the pitch and I still prefer to do interviews in French at the moment, so I can explain properly. I came here to experience this great thing [English football] and I am so happy I have been so warmly welcomed by the fans since I arrived.

I am equally as happy that I have been able to give something back to them. My goal is to take the team back to the Premier League. It’s where I want to play and it’s where Fulham want to play.