Marco Silva has expressed optimism over Fulham’s push for European qualification ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash against Sunderland in the Premier League.
The Cottagers are 12th on the standings, but are only six points behind Brentford in seventh and their upcoming run of fixtures could prove decisive in their quest for an European return.
Fulham last qualified for continental competition in 2012, but could end that streak this time around if they can turn on impressive performances until the end of the season.
“Until the international break, there are important fixtures there, an important game in the FA Cup. It’s going to be crucial and is going to dictate what you are going to fight for”, Silva revealed.
“Even if in the Premier League it’s difficult to say right now because everything is so tight.
“With two or three good results, we are in a very good position. With two or three bad results, we are going to be down on the table. It just shows the competitiveness of this league.”
Fulham visit the Stadium of Light on Sunday, hoping to end a three-game losing streak in the league.
Despite winning at Stoke in the FA Cup fourth round in their last match, the Cottagers are winless in the Premier League this month and face a tough test against Sunderland, who have only lost once at home in the league this season.
“Sometimes it’s not about quality. I think all the people that follow the Premier League and know the way we play, know when you are at our best level, you are very difficult to play against.
“But the Premier League demands other things from you. To not have moments that we switch off. Because if you have these types of moments, usually in a Premier League game, you are going to get punished”, Silva added.
“Our big challenge for ourselves as a team – with massive respect for the opposition – is about ourselves and how are we going to get more consistency from us.
“This is a competition against ourselves, for us to get to that level in terms of consistency. That is very important in the Premier League”, the Fulham boss concluded.
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