Marco Silva Aims to Establish Fulham Legacy Amid Challenging Start
Marco Silva, the manager of Fulham, was seen observing the team before their Premier League match against Sheffield United at Craven Cottage in London, England on October 7, 2023. In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Silva expressed his desire to create a lasting impact with the club and build upon their successful finish in the top half of the Premier League last season. Fulham, who will be hosting Manchester United, led by Erik ten Hag, on November 4, will be looking to continue their solid start to the season, currently sitting in 14th place with three wins from their 10 games.
Fulham, a team that spent 13 consecutive seasons in the top flight from 2001 to 2014, has faced challenges in recent years. However, under Silva’s impressive leadership, they earned 52 points last season, securing a 10th place finish, a feat they had only achieved once before in the Premier League in the 2008/09 season with 53 points. When Silva took over in July 2021, he encountered a club in a difficult state, having won only five league games throughout the previous season. The mood was low among fans, players, and staff. Silva’s arrival had a significant impact, lifting spirits and leading to a successful first season.
Silva made important additions to the squad in the summer of 2022, including Joao Palhinha, Bernd Leno, Willian, and Andreas Pereira. These signings played a crucial role in Fulham’s return to the Premier League. Silva emphasized the importance of making the club more professional in all aspects and details, without spending a large amount of money. The team’s belief and ambition to compete at the highest level remained unchanged. Fulham’s top-half finish surprised many people and put an end to their reputation as a “yo-yo club.”
Silva recently signed a contract extension with Fulham, keeping him at the club until 2026. Looking ahead, he expressed his desire to leave a legacy at the club, whether it be through titles, league positions, playing style, or player development. While winning titles may be challenging for a club like Fulham, Silva remains ambitious and focused on taking the team game-by-game. He believes in the importance of leaving a lasting impact on the club and being remembered for their work.
The upcoming match between Fulham and Manchester United can be watched live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 11:00 UK time on November 4. TNT Sports is available on major TV platforms such as discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.