Silva reveals he’s ‘talking’ to Fulham chiefs ‘every single day’ to ‘plan’ for the future – ‘the main focus’
Marco Silva’s focus is on “planning” for the future as Fulham attempt to secure a record Premier League points return on the final day of the season.
Silva has previously stated that he will seek assurance that Fulham are as ambitious as him before entering into talks over a new contract. His current deal is set to expire in 2024.
But the 45-year-old – who is being linked with Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli – has confirmed that he is in dialogue with the club’s hierarchy “every single day” to push Fulham forward.
“Normally I don’t talk too much about the situation,” Silva said ahead of the trip to Manchester United on Sunday.
“But we are here and I am talking every single day with people to keep planning and improving this football club as best as we can, as we did from the first day.
“This is the main focus for us. I’m under contract with this football club and this is the main thing.”
After promotion from the Sky Bet Championship last season, Fulham will end up 10th whatever happens at Old Trafford.
It will be their first top-half finish in the Premier League since coming ninth in 2012.
But Fulham have the incentive of eclipsing the 53 points they achieved in the 2008-09 season under Roy Hodgson.
Silva said: “There are three points to fight for, that is the main thing.
“From the first day they (players) know what our demands and standards are every single time.
“Even if we can not go for a difference in position right now, the points are still there and it’s for us to fight for.”
Fulham’s successful season has seen Silva join Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery on a six-man shortlist for the managerial award.
“These sort of nominations make all of us proud but it is a consequence of how the team perform,” Silva said.
“Even though the name is there, it is not an individual thing, it is a collective.
“It is a consequence of the season Fulham Football Club has had, but I am proud my name is in there.”
Former United winger Daniel James could be denied the chance of an Old Trafford return because of a hamstring problem.
Another former United player, midfielder Andreas Pereira, is definitely out with a fractured ankle, while Tim Ream (arm) will also be absent.
READ MORE: Defender who ‘forgot’ he’s a Chelsea player among Prem loanees to finish above parent clubs
