Marco Silva not taking anything for granted against out-of-form Chelsea

Planet Sport writer
1 October 2023

Marco Silva close to taking different job before Fulham gave him ‘easy’ choice

Fulham manager Marco Silva refused to acknowledge that Fulham holds any advantages over Chelsea ahead of their Premier League clash on Monday.

Chelsea have spent over £1billion since May 2022 and broke the British transfer record twice this year on Enzo Fernandez (£106.8million) and Moises Caicedo (£115 million).

“You think we have an advantage against Chelsea in terms of squad?,” Silva said.

“We are talking about two players who they have got in the last six months (who cost) nearly £250 million (Fernandez and Caicedo), if I say more (about Chelsea spend) it will probably be plus £1billion

“How can you compare? It’s impossible to compare. In the game we are going to give our maximum, but don’t try to say there is an advantage for us.

“We are playing at home and we love playing at home and it will be more special.”

Silva highlighted Chelsea’s quality across the pitch and believes Raheem Sterling, who has scored twice this season, will be a threat on Monday.

The Portuguese knows his side will need to be organised to combat stuttering Chelsea, who have picked up just five points from six games.

“I think Chelsea can give us a tough one,” Silva added.

“They are quality in the attack line. Even though they will be without (Nicolas) Jackson (suspended) they have the quality there with Sterling who is in his best moment in a Chelsea shirt.

“They have (Mykhailo) Mudryk on the opposite side too and the quality of Enzo (Fernandez) in midfield as well as the capacity of (Conor) Gallagher to arrive in other areas on the pitch who can also support the striker.

“I do not know what striker Mauricio (Pochettino) will start but they have the quality. It will be a game which will demand good organisation from us.”

Silva labelled Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno as “one of the best” with the German leading the Premier League for clean sheets this season alongside Ederson, Nick Pope and Sam Johnstone.

Silva said: “Bernd is one of the best in this competition, the way he’s consistent and has a top quality. He’s a key player for us and I’m so pleased to have him with us, he’s so important and I hope he can keep doing this for us.”