Silva on Iwobi's return, his uncertain future and fading hopes of Europe
· Yahoo Sports
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Wolves at Molineux (15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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- Alex Iwobi is back available for the trip to Wolves after missing the past three games with a hamstring injury: "Alex is in contention for the game. Last week, he did some training sessions with us and this week, throughout, he's been working with ourselves. It's been a good week for him."
- Joachim Andersen is suspended after his red card in last weekend's defeat by Bournemouth, while Ryan Sessegnon remains sidelines. Silva said: "All the other players are going to be available for the game."
- On the impact of Iwobi's return: "He's a big player for us, definitely. He's a player who's very versatile, who can play in many different positions. He's also a player that can add extra quality in the decision making. In all aspects of the game he's a key player for us and he's shown it again this season. It's a boost. Definitely, it's a boost."
- On last weekend's defeat by the Cherries damaging Fulham's European hopes: "Last week, everything was under our control. It's not gone, but the percentage chance is much smaller. We lost the chance to depend on ourselves. Now we have to focus on winning our games."
- With European qualification now unlikely, Silva added: "I am always trying to push this club forward. These types of moments are better than what the club had in the past. To talk about frustration of maybe not getting Europe shows the club have moved forward."
- Silva denied media reports linking him with taking the Benfica job after his contract expires at the end of the season, insisting he has had no contact with the Portuguese club: "Let's be clear about it because I think it is important to clarify that I didn't have any offer from Benfica. I didn't have any conversation with Benfica and it is important right now to tell the truth about that situation."
- On if uncertainty over his future affects preparations for next season: "We are preparing for the next season with the football club. We have been having meetings and, of course, the final decision will come. When it comes we will know from myself and from the football club, but everything is being prepared from us."
- Asked if a decision would arrive before the final game against Newcastle at Craven Cottage, Silva said: "I don't know when the decision will come. It is a decision that we have to take, of course - myself, I have to take - but when it is coming I cannot tell you. Let's see. Now we are focused on the Wolves game and after that we will see what is going to happen."
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[BBC]