There’s a an excellent article in this morning’s Mail by Aadam Patel on the genius of Marco Silva following Fulham’s fabulous derby win at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.

Patel’s piece describes how Silva used his pre-match speech to remind his squad of just how long the Fulham faithful have been waiting for a win at their local rivals and there are countless examples of how the Portuguese coach pushes his players for more. Some of his man-management is exceptional, like taking the players out for dinner after a 2-2 draw with Liverpool’s ten men earlier this month, and embracing Antonee Robinson’s physical strengths despite releasing the full back when he was in charge at Everton.

Silva pushed hard for Alex Iwobi two summers ago and that has proven an inspired decision — with the versatlie ex-Arsenal midfielder playing the finest football of his career. Iwobi gives the man who grabbed him from Goodison Park all the credit:

“He gives everyone that love and pays attention to detail. He treats everyone the same – from the players to the people in the canteen and he always demands the best.”

Patel’s article concludes by burnishing Silva’s credentials – but he has done a fine job at Craven Cottage and long may it continue.