Marco Silva Addresses Tete’s Injury, Club Ambitions, and Defensive Philosophy

Fulham manager Marco Silva addressed reporters ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Southampton, scheduled for a 14:00 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press conference: Right-back Kenny Tete will be sidelined for “at least eight to 10 weeks” due to “a big knock” sustained to his shin and knee during the match against Liverpool. Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Tom Cairney are all available for selection after completing their respective suspensions. However, Andreas Pereira will not participate in Sunday’s match, having accumulated his fifth yellow card of the current season. Regarding Tete’s injury, Silva further commented: “We have Timothy Castagne to replace him. He was impressive last season. When he took Tete’s place, Kenny couldn’t win it back. This season it has been the other way round.” Addressing the festive fixture schedule, Silva stated: “It is a great moment. It is intense and busy. We like to enjoy time with our families. We know what we are going to face, so we have time to spend with our families. Boxing Day is really good for football and as managers and players we should enjoy it.” Silva indicated that his team still has areas for development, but he expressed being “really confident and ambitious” about his objectives for the club. Pertaining to his team’s robust defensive performance, Silva remarked: “I prefer to not concede. We have scored 15 games in a row, which is maybe the first time that’s happened in the Premier League with Fulham – but we want clean sheets. It’s our identity. We go into every game to win the football match and our goal for each match is to not concede.” He mentioned that left-back Antonee Robinson “is always open to learn,” further adding: “His defensive set-up, his position and his body language is improving. That’s because of the work from all of us with him. He puts all his energy in, every single day.” Regarding their upcoming opponents, Southampton, who currently sit at the bottom of the league table, Silva stated: “Five weeks ago we played Wolves at home when they were in a bad moment and we didn’t win the game. We have spoke about the approach for this game. Southampton have lots of Premier League quality.”