A win against Blackburn on Saturday will help ‘finish August in style’ and set Fulham up well for the return from September’s international break, according to Slavisa Jokanovic.
His side’s extra-time EFL Cup triumph over Premier League newboys Middlesbrough last night took the Whites’ unbeaten run to six in all competitions, and a good result in Lancashire would ensure an undefeated August for the first time since 2010.
Obvious it may seem, a brief glance at the archives shows that Fulham are echelons ahead of last season with eight points from four games; on August 26 2015 it stood at two points from four.
But whilst clearly impressed with the progress, the Fulham head coach is wary about getting ahead of himself and rightly so; the Cottagers have finished in 17th and 20th position in the past two seasons after their relegation from the Premier League.
He told GetWestLondon: “Fulham didn’t do well in the last few seasons and I believe it is necessary to change. I believe, compared to last season, we are having a good start at the moment – but this is only the start and we haven’t done anything important yet.
“This is only the beginning of the season and there are 42 more games to play in the Championship, so anything can happen. In theory, we have made a better start than other teams, but the job is not done.
“It is very important for us to finish August in style and be ready to get a good result against Blackburn on Saturday. This situation can encourage us to work with more desire and ambition and create a better ambience to prepare after the international break.
“Our final target is to catch the leaders in May and this is a very long time away.”
