Fans of Premier League football club Fulham have named manager Marco Silva and forward Aleksandr Mitrovic as major factors behind their good start to the season.
The pair have helped the West London team achieve 15 points from 11 games, their best top-flight start since the 2012/13 season, placing them NINTH in the table.
This marks an improvement from Fulham’s last Premier League campaign, where it took 23 games to achieve the same points tally in 2020/21, resulting in relegation.
Season-ticket-holders John, 72, and James, 37, alluded to Silva’s high-level experience, saying, “He’s done it before. He knows the requirements [of the Premier League], and it’s a nice change from the previous manager.”
John and James, who are father and son, also mentioned Silva’s progressive tactics, saying, “We’ve now adapted our style a bit. We can also play both ways”, whilst stating that previous manager Scott Parker was “too negative”.
Parker, who was sacked from AFC Bournemouth this season after four games, suffered relegation with Fulham in the 2020/21 season, only achieving 28 points.
Additionally, Parker dealt with criticism from the media over his side’s style of play.
This heavily differs from the reception that Silva has received. Not only from fans, such as John and James, the Portuguese manager has garnered praise from journalists alike.
Peter Rutzler, covering Fulham for The Athletic, also praised Silva for his impact on the squad, saying, “Silva’s influence is obvious….several players have improved under him.”
Mr Rutzler further added, “Marco Silva has also been able to elevate several players, and not just those with top flight pedigree….that speaks volumes of the coach’s influence.”
The efforts of the players were also singled out by Mr Rutzler, the form of “Mitrovic”, being “the obvious one.”
Ever-present Mitrovic has so far netted seven times in nine games.
Without the Serbian’s firepower, Fulham would have collected SIX less points, which would have placed them 18th in the table.
His performances have also earned acclaim from fans. John and James said, “He knows where the goal is. I don’t think it will be long before the bigger clubs come knocking.”
Mitrovic and Silva will next feature on Sunday, approx. 2.00pm BST, against Leeds United at Elland Road.
A win against Leeds, who languish in 16th with nine points, could take Fulham into seventh place.
Any other reasons for Fulham’s improved start?
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