Tim Ream insists Fulham are not looking any further ahead than another tough assignment against Blackburn Rovers this weekend as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the Championship.
The American centre back feels taking one game at a time has been a crucial element of Fulham’s success this season – and says Marco Silva’s squad are not daring to think about how many points are required to secure an immediate return to the Premier League. Asked about automatic promotion, Ream told FFCTV this afternoon:
“You want to have that sewn up as soon as possible. We haven’t really discussed it, to be honest with you. We’ve not looked ahead to see where we can pick up points. We’re so in the moment right now and we have been all season and I think that’s been the key to the consistency and consistently picking up three points. If another win keeps us on that path, then great but we’re not looking any further down that path.”
The veteran defender, voted man of the match after Fulham’s narrow win at Cardiff last weekend, acknowledges that defensive diligence has been as important as the free-scoring forward play in strengthening the Whites’ promotion push. He says that keeping clean sheets – as they did in south Wales for the thirteen time this term – is vital as opponents attempt to shackle Fulham’s fluency.
“It’s always a topic of conversation. We know we’re not going to score two, three or four goals every game. As much as we all like it, its not sustainable. We really try to focus on keeping clean sheets and we know that if we keep clean sheets, we will get at least one goal. That’s proven over the course of the season. It’s something that’s obviously very, very nice. It’s more important for the back four and the goalie – but I think everyone can see that everyone’s doing everything to keep a clean sheet.”
Ream reckons Fulham will face another tough test from promotion contenders Blackburn on Saturday – cautioning that a repeat of the remarkable 7-0 win at Ewood Park earlier this season is highly unlikely.
“It’s going to be another difficult game – I don’t think anybody can shy away from that. They are pushing to stay in the play-offs. They won their last match but before that they were on a bit of struggle. We’re expecting a tough game. They’re trying to stick in the play-offs and maybe push for the top two and we’re trying to keep our position where we are. We expect a tough match. I don’t think anybody should expect a 7-0 again, so we’re going to try and go out get three points.”
