Fulham shouldn’t be scared of schizophrenic Atletico

Fulham have achieved a feat that a lot of bigger Premier League clubs couldn’t manage and have made the final of the Europa League.

The Cottagers managed to outdo Everton, Liverpool and Aston Villa in Europe’s second competition.

Achievement

The achievement of making it into the Europa League final is by far the greatest achievement in the history of the club. Fulham are a small club compared to the likes of other London clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and even Tottenham but Roy Hodgson has guided them to never seen before heights.

They have achieved some superb results along the way as well. They knocked out German champions Wolfsburg, Italian giants Juventus and Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk (UEFA Cup holders).

Hodgson did this by using his immense knowledge of European football. He has done a fantastic job with the Cottagers and he is finally getting the credit he deserves in Britain. Previously he was underrated but now everybody in England knows about his managerial talent.

Hodgson is now being linked with the Liverpool manager’s job but it would be a mistake for ‘Woy’ to take the Anfield hot seat, which is currently already filled. Liverpool is a club on a downward spiral. He would be better off served staying at Fulham and trying to improve them.

Challenge

Fulham face a challenge to claim the inaugural Europa League trophy. Atletico Madrid can be a quality side on their night but unfortunately for Atletico they have struggled to find anything like consistent form this season.

I have seen them many times this season in La Liga and they go from the sublime to the awful in the matter of game. They are currently ninth in the Spanish league and won’t qualify for European next season through their league placing.

Quality

Atletico Madrid have some very good attacking players but their defence seems to have too many lapses in concentration. Atletico have conceded 57 goals in La Liga but have scored just 56. It’s a good job they have the deadly duo of Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero up front.

The South American pair inspired the club to Champions League qualification last season. This season Aguero has suffered with injuries and a dip in form this season. However he has still played well enough to be linked with a summer move to Chelsea and hasn’t denied the link.

Forlan was of course a Manchester United reject. He came to the Premier League and struggled to adapt to the style of the game. However he is prolific in the very different La Liga. He has twice finished with the Pichichi trophy.

Defence

Even playing against the aforementioned strike-force I wouldn’t back against the Cottagers lifting the trophy in Hamburg. They have defended stoutly against other top European attacks and they can do it again against Atletico.

Fulham are far more organised at the back than their Spanish counterparts and if they can keep the talented South American pair quiet then they have a superb chance of claiming their first ever European trophy.

Neutral

I know that most neutral English fans will be cheering on Roy Hodgson’s side and hoping they claim victory. It’s like a fairytale story and Fulham are the underdogs that most English football fans admire for their sheer spirit.

Fulham have got to the final with determination, strength and no shortage of skill. I hope Fulham become the first ever Europa League winners and lift the trophy. They deserve to win the trophy just for the class and humility Roy Hodgson has shown this season. He is a true gentleman and deserves to be successful.