Sakari Mattila revealed Fulham's new boss wants his side to toughen up - and tackle like they mean it.

The midfielder got his first Championship start in the 1-0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and despite the reverse belief life is on the up under Slavisa Jokanovic.

The fourth man the helm in an indifferent season has made it plain he wants a more aggressive side when Fulham are defending, but maintain their excellent scoring record.

Wrap: Slavisa Jokanovic wears the colours

They drew a blank against upwardly mobile Wednesday, but the Finn, signed in the close season, believes he and his team-mates are learning fast.

Mattila said: "He has told us we need to be more aggressive when defending and be tougher. I think we showed a little bit of it (against Wednesday) but we also need to be faster when we go forward.

We need to keep on doing the things we’re doing well and become and tough to beat."

Suffered: Ross McCormack feels the pain of defeat to Sheff Wed

Mattila and co fell prey to a 30-yard wonder goal from Ross Wallace hit with venom that fizzed through the air and in off the underside of the post.

Fulham get a second bite at Wednesday when they face them in the FA Cup on Saturday, and the Finn insists they can gain revenge at Hillsborough.

Mattila added: "It was really hard when they had 11 players behind the ball, and maybe we were a bit too slow and didn’t turn the game quick enough.

"We have many days before that (cup) game and I‘m sure the new manager will have time to add his touch a bit more."

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