Continental crusade’s no Marc of pressure for Cottagers

MARCO SILVA insists there’s no pressure on his Fulham players as the race for Europe intensifies.

The Cottagers are bang in the hunt for a top-seven finish.

Victory against leaders Arsenal today will only ramp up hopes of a return to continental competition for the west Londoners for the first time since the 201112 campaign. But Silva said: “We don’t feel any pressure.

“We have to feel a really privileged group of players if we have been doing so well, if we are in a position to be proud of.

“I don’t see any pressure on that.

“It’s a word that doesn’t go inside our dressing room at all and the players don’t need to feel any pressure. They have to be proud and really enjoy the challenge. What is the pressure they can have right now?”

Silva (right) might not feel the pressure but

Arsenal are certain to as they close in on a first Premier League title since 2003-04.

The Portuguese boss added: “They have been really consistent. It’s one of the things that has probably changed more from one season to the other.

“They signed some key players and some of them with that leadership that you need to win every single game. “Without quality you cannot be as consistent as they have been. They are a very good side and they deserve to be where they are.

“Many, many credits for Mikel Arteta and his staff as well for the way they reacted.

“He kept the belief last season in some tough periods. He had the support of everyone and that belief as well, and that they are where they are right now is a very good thing.”