Marco Silva recognises that a trip to Manchester City will be one of the toughest assignments Fulham face this season – but he wants the Whites to attack Pep Guardiola’s side this weekend.
The Portuguese head coach took confidence from Fulham’s showing at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup fourth round earlier this year, when the-then Championship outfit briefly led through Fabio Carvalho, and wants his side to be adventurous even against one of the most dangerous teams in Europe.
Silva told his pre-match press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:
“The next one will be probably one of the most difficult ones at this level, in my opinion, against the best team in this competition, probably one of the best in the world as well. Top, top quality all over the pitch, with a philosophy that is really difficult to play against, with one of the best, if not the best, manager in the world as well.
It means that the target and the challenge is really tough for us, but we have to embrace it. We had a good example last season when we played against them in the FA Cup. Our first half was really, really good, and if we could repeat that first half I will be delighted because the way we played was really impressive, impressive for me as a manager, and we will try to replicate the same thing again.”
The Fulham head coach insists there will be no altering his philosophy and no attempt to shut up shop despite Fulham not coming close to taking a point at Manchester City since 2011.
“When we have the ball, we have to express ourselves, we have to attack them. If you don’t attack them, if you don’t try to score, your chances to get a good result will be really low. They are aware of our quality for sure, I know that, but we have to try to attack them.
We have top, top teams in this competition, and they are not even in the top of the table. I don’t want to be unfair with the team that is in the top right now, that is Arsenal, but of course [City] are different. They are the most difficult one to play against, in my opinion. They have the quality, but for sure some teams can compete and can beat them, and let’s hope we can. It will be really difficult for us, but it’s our obligation to try.”
This will be our hardest game yet,we will see how far we have come and the level we have got to get to,we must get right in their faces from the start and work hard in every position and just try our best that’s all we can ask for we are not expected to win,this team can take on the best and I am sure Marco will tell the boys that give them respect but don’t be intimidated by them will this be our finest hour so far I hope so COYW
We have nothing to lose, so work hard, enjoy your footbal and we will support you!!!
COYW!!!