Marco Silva has disclosed that Fulham have set out to lower the average age of their first-team squad as they attempt to become more competitive in the Premier League.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Fulham’s trip to AFC Bournemouth tomorrow, Silva outlined that the Whites were now looking to introduce younger players into the first-team squad having concentrated on top-flight experience following their promotion from the Championship in his first season at Craven Cottage.
The Fulham head coach said:
“It’s been clear, our idea. We have a good platform, definitely we have a mix of experience & maturity. Of course, it was a moment for us to start to put some fresh legs inside, some young people in the first two or three seasons. Even if the goal was more or less the same, we went in one direction to be [full of] Premier League experience to create a platform at the base inside of the football club.
I think we are in this stage right now and it was a moment for us, step by step, for our average age to be in a different position. because we are talking about the present, you are talking about the future of the club. Even from a business point of view, it’s important for the club to have some young lads and we never know what is going to happen in the future. We want to retain the talent inside [Fulham Football Club].
But, to help the club to move forward, sometimes we have to, this type of club, have to be active in the market in terms of sales and players to buy. I think it’s been the goal, doesn’t lose what is most important – to be ready for the Premier League. Not every young player is completely ready to start. We have to give them time, we have to give them time to understand [the] Premier League and what these demands from yourself and they have to show their qualities. Josh [King] is a good example. He’s ready for it and he’s got his chances and he’s a good example for the others.”
“We got a mix of maturity and experience” really! How is that a mix? We are heading down the same road as Martyn Jol took us and where did that finish? The Championship.
Perhaps the Khans should look at our recruitment team and lower the age there and pension off Talbot.
Why aren’t we searching the English lower leagues for potential talent, they are there, ask Palace, B’mouth as they are able to find them.
The idea that MS wants to lower the age of the squad doesn’t add up, why hasn’t he been doing that from the start of his tenure? He’s failed to intergrate academy players because of the pressures of being in the Premier League. Sure King has been given his opportunity, but that’s only because TK didn’t buy an experience, older M/F.
Maybe, Marco’s 1st team coaching team should be looked at as well. Since the loss of Luis Bo, the team hasn’t had the same attacking spark. Bring him back. Perhaps employing someone like Tony Gale to organise our defence could be constructive.
Have to agree with you Martin on all points. I definitely think we would be in a better place now had Boa Morte still been with us.
I think we would be in a better place with some better decisions from VAR. Bassey needs to concentrate. At Villa he nearly gifted Mcginn a goal early on, then on the Watkins goal he was out of position. I thought if you have 2 central defenders against 1 striker, one marks the man and the other covers the space in behind.
Josh King man of the match again. He has been in every away game. At home he is the worst player on the pitch. He can’t play against the low block as he needs space to run into.
Really pleased that Marco is thinking long term, maybe it means he will stay and yes, get Luis BM back.
Best thing this season is that we pose a threat from corners
We still need another striker we never replaced Mitro and traore isn’t good enough, we really lack goals and should have been able to beat Villa.
Agree about the loss of BM…right now he might be able to focus the wayward Kevin.
Seeing Mike Beireth come on as a sub for Monaco against City brings home the dreadful loss of talent which has been stemmed now one hopes.
So will Marco at least include JKA or Loupalo Bi on the bench tonight?
Fulham wouldn’t know talent if it bit them on the arse.
After tonight’s surrender I think Silva will be getting a taxi very soon.
The Khans can’t afford relegation with their over budget Fulham Pier project and that’s what’s going to happen by not funding the team properly.
I’m not sure Silva is up for the fight. The team look slow and unfit and Kevin, well he looks like we bought another expensive lemon to go with with ESR.