Fulham vs Newcastle: Silva reacts after Super Eagles stars help seal Magpies’ victory

Fulham head coach Marco Silva expressed great satisfaction with his players’ performance in the 2-0 victory over Newcastle United, Afriq Foot reports.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi returned for his second consecutive match after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Calvin Bassey provided a solid defensive display against Eddie Howe’s side. Samuel Chukwueze was omitted from the matchday squad.

Goals from Issa Diop and Tom Cairney secured the win for the Cottagers, but the result was not enough to achieve their European ambitions.

Joshua King, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Antonee Robinson of Fulham’s goal celebration. Copyright: Imago

Marco Silva’s reaction to Fulham’s win over Newcastle United

Iwobi has repeatedly voiced his desire to see the Cottagers compete in a European competition, yet they missed the UEFA Conference League spot by a single point.

Before the win against Newcastle, Fulham had lost to Arsenal and Bournemouth and had dropped two points against Wolves.

After the match, Marco Silva emphasized the importance of the team’s response, particularly following the previous three games.

“All that frustration, we spoke in the beginning of the week, cannot take from ourselves the motivation to have to win in the best way possible, and that was the reason why the players worked hard, like is their obligation, during the week to prepare ourselves for the game against a good side,” the Portuguese coach said, according to statements released by Fulham’s official website.

Marco Silva. Copyright: Paul Terry / Sportimage/IMAGO

“I think this afternoon was an important one. It was important to give the fans back something, and for them to have this good feeling, for us to thank them in the end of the game with a lap of appreciation, in the best way possible.

“And I think they really enjoyed the afternoon, and is the reason why we were working so hard.

“Overall, it was a good performance from us, a well deserved win, and we showed throughout this season that this place was really the fortress for us.

“I believe the season could have been completely different, in the matter of more points for us, and competition for the European places.

“I’ve been telling you that the margins are so, so small at this level, and we are competing in the best league in the world, and the most difficult one, and of course all the margins and all the small details, they play always a big part,” the Portuguese manager concluded.

Nigeria and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey. Copyright: David Klein / Sportimage / IMAGO

Marco Silva’s contract with Fulham expires at the end of the season. Although he has been offered a new three‑year deal, he is actively weighing his options, with significant interest from Benfica.

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Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer