SPEAK & DESTROY
Silva reveals how a summer phone call got Mitrovic battering defences
MARCO SILVA has revealed that a summer pep talk helped get Fulham star man Aleksandar Mitrovic firing again.
The 27-year-old Serbian striker already has a stunning 18 goals this campaign, including a hat-trick on Saturday against West Brom.
Silva was appointed Cottagers boss in the summer and one of the first things he did was call Mitrovic, who suffered a tough season under predecessor Scott Parker in the Premier League last term.
The ex-Everton manager said: “Mitro knows what I want from him since the first moment we talked on the phone. We had a conversation and I was clear with him in terms of what I wanted and what I demanded of him.
“I explained our idea and he embraced it. He’s in a good place, in a good mood and working hard. We are seeing Mitro doing completely different things even from the beginning of the season.
“I know confidence is important, scoring goals is a big help. Confidence and goals is pushing him forward.
“Seeing him doing so many things from a physical point of view is so important.
“Mitro is trying to improve in many things, we are pushing him. Goals will be just the consequence.”
Fulham have won their last four as they make the trip to Blackburn tonight.
Silva said: “There are definitely improvements that can be made in our game but we are very happy with the last few results.” Tayo Edun made his professional debut for Fulham against Leyton Orient in the League Cup in 2016.
But the 23-year-old from Islington hopes to line up against them tonight in his debut season for Rovers since moving from Lincoln.
Blackburn have beaten Reading and then Derby and Edun is looking to keep the run going.
He said of Saturday’s win at Derby: “It was a very good way to start the week with the three points and a solid performance.
“We showed how good we can be in that first half at Derby County and it’s a chance for us to build momentum now.
“Getting a few wins in a row in this league just allows you to kick on and push up the table.
“Two back-to-back victories can do a lot for you.
“With two big games to come and an international break on the horizon, it would be great to pick up some points before the break comes.
“These games coming up are big challenges for us and we know we need to be aggressive and take the games to our opponents.”