Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno believes the rest of the Premier League won’t be underestimating Fulham this season after their exploits last year.
The Cottagers enjoyed an excellent return to the top flight last season, surprising most of the pundits by finishing tenth. The German international, who was outstanding as Marco Silva’s side began the new campaign with a 1-0 win at Everton last Saturday, is full of belief that his side can improve on that impressive finish this time round. Leno told the Metro:
“Same as last season – after 20-25 matches we can change the target and say, “We go for Europe or mid-table or whatever” or for the [Premier League] trophy. No, I’m joking! We prepare just for [the next game] and not what could happen next year in May.”
Leno feels Fulham should take confidence from their strong showings against the top sides last year.
“I think now everyone knows we can compete. We can compete with the big teams, especially at home. When you see [Manchester] United and [Manchester] City, they struggled against us. At the end we lost these games but you saw they were decided by details – in the last minute against United. We know how we can compete against these teams and they also know what they can expect from us so it will be a challenge.
The former Arsenal custodian admits that the transfer window remaining open until the start of September means Fulham’s squad is still in a state of flux – but points to his experience as a late arrival to Craven Cottage last season for proof that new signings can make an immediate impact.
“Every season you have the same problem. Last year, I came in one day before the first game against Liverpool. I had no pre-season because I didn’t train much at Arsenal, no friendlies, nothing. I had zero rhythm so I had to adapt as quick as possible but that’s our job and that is why we are professionals. The team is very nice to adapt to and the fans make it very easy for players to adapt and get the confidence so I don’t worry about it.”
