'Keep the focus' - Fulham boss praises Brazilian star after West Ham triumph

It was an exceptionally outing for the Craven Cottage side who headed to the London Stadium off the back of a disappointing home win to Newcastle. 

However, the disappointment would not last long with Brazil star Andreas Pereira scoring inside eight minutes. The 28-year-old would then go on to score in the 72nd minute to end West Ham’s hopes of a home triumph while Marco Silva continued to defy critics as the Craven Cottage side sit 12th in the league.

Fulham will take on Liverpool this weekend and ahead of their clash, the Cottagers boss has spoken of his pride at Pereira’s goal-scoring achievements as well as necessity to keep the focus as they head into the final five matches of the season.

“The plan was clear for him. Never be behind two midfielders from West Ham. Before joining us was playing much more as a second midfielder but since joining us he’s playing much more as an offensive midfielder behind the pockets. 

“He has more assists, he’s really strong in set-pieces. Some moments he has to be more decisive. But I was really pleased to see him arrive in certain areas. 

“The way he arrived inside the box for that second goal was really good. It’s something we demand of him. We scored in that moment because Andreas really believed in that moment. He knows how much I demand from him, to arrive in certain areas, and be more decisive. It was a celebration with me probably because of what I’ve been demanding from him.

Silva also added that, despite their consistent progress, it is too early to consider where the side might be in the 2024/25 season. “We have to keep focus this season”, Silva added. “It’s too early to start on next season. WE are at the best moment of the season. 

“Keep the focus, keep the concentration but we want always more. Every game we fight for three points. At the end of the season is when we will analyse this season to prepare for the next one.”