Fulham vs Newcastle: Silva’s reaction after Super Eagles stars helped to seal Magpies defeat

Fulham head coach Marco Silva was delighted with the approach of his players in their 2-0 win over Newcastle United yesterday evening, Afrik Foot reports.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi started his second straight game after making a return from his hamstring injury, while Calvin Bassey was rock solid at the back in the encounter against Eddie Howe’s men. Samuel Chukwueze wasn’t included in the matchday squad.

Goals from Issa Diop and Tom Cairney were enough to help the Cottagers to three points, but they still fell short of their European dream.

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

Iwobi has been vocal about his hunger to push the Cottagers to participate in a European tournament, but they fell short of the UEFA Conference League spot by just a point.

Prior to the win against Newcastle, Fulham lost to Arsenal and Bournemouth while dropping two points against Wolves.

Speaking after the victory, Marco Silva highlighted the need for his side to respond the way they did, especially after the last 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 in quotes revealed by Fulham’s official website.

“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.

Marco Silva’s contract with Fulham runs out this season. While he’s been offered a new three-year deal, he’s actively considering his options, with strong interest from Benfica.