Fulham manager Silva targets top-half finish in Premier League finale

Fulham manager Marco Silva has outlined the club’s objectives ahead of the Premier League season finale, emphasising the necessity of securing a top-half finish against Newcastle United. Speaking to the media on the eve of Sunday’s match at Craven Cottage, Silva acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on European qualification while maintaining that the campaign remains a positive outcome for the institution.

The manager described the squad and staff as an “ambitious group,” noting that the failure to push for a European spot until the final day has generated significant frustration. Silva recognised that supporters may hold mixed feelings regarding the season’s trajectory, balancing the overall positive performance against the lack of a tangible European reward.

The upcoming fixture carries substantial weight for final league positioning, with Fulham and Newcastle United currently level on points. Newcastle currently occupy the higher position in the standings due to a superior goal difference. Silva highlighted that a victory in the final match would reverse this dynamic, placing Fulham above their opponents in the table.

Silva stressed that finishing the season with a win is paramount, stating it is the fundamental reason for the club’s ongoing work. He indicated that the team has maintained its targets throughout the week and expects the players to deliver maximum effort to secure the result.

The manager called on his squad to “fight for it” in front of the home crowd, asserting that the fans deserve such dedication. The match is scheduled for Sunday with a 16:00 BST kick-off, serving as the concluding chapter for both clubs in the Premier League season.