Slavisa Jokanovic has dismissed speculation about an imminent contract extension at Craven Cottage – insisted his sole focus is ensuring Fulham earn their first Premier League win against Burnley on Sunday.
Newspaper reports have suggested that the Serbian head coach has put discussions over a new deal on hold but Jokanovic told his pre-match press conference that the details of a new contract after being handled by his representatives and the Fulham hierarchy.
“This job is in the hands of my agent and the club. This kind of situation is in the hands of different people; I am really not talking all the days with the club about money or this kind of situation. I am focused only about the Premier League and competition and I am fully motivated to do everything to be successful with my team and club.
I know I depend on the results and our supporters after two games will expect some points. What I am really worried about (is) my team, about results, about getting our first Premier League points. That’s where I’m focusing my energy.”
Fulham will face Burnley without new signing Alfie Mawson, who is aiming to make his debut for the club in next week’s League Cup against Exeter City.
“Mawson started working with us after a long period without being active. He made the last two training days with us and will need the time to build fitness. We have a plan for next week to try to use him in the Carabao Cup and then decide if we will try to use him in 45 and 60-minute periods.”
The Fulham boss also believes Aleksandar Mitrovic will benefit from getting off the mark after scoring Fulham’s equaliser against Tottenham last weekend.
“Mitrovic is one of the most experienced Premier League players in my team, and he’s always available to fight for and support the team. Always it’s positive and easier after scoring goals, and I believe this goal will encourage him to work harder still, to support the team, and be available to score. I’m sure he’d prefer not to score and for Fulham to win.
He’s going to be really satisfied if you’re talking about him if we won without him scoring. We’re talking about a striker, but he can help us in different parts of the game. He’s important in our defensive set-pieces; and [against Burnley] we’re going to have another opponent that’s dangerous in these situations.
