We deserved penalties – Hodgson

(GSM) – Fulham manager Roy Hodsgon praised his players by stating he was “unbelievably proud” of his team’s achievement of reaching the Europa League final, despite their extra-time defeat to Atlético Madrid.

“The players are very, very disappointed as we put up a very good show,” he said. “The game was heading towards penalties and, despite obvious fatigue, they were well organised, well disciplined and looking good value for the result. But unfortunately Diego Forlan popped up with another crucial goal.

“It’s a bitter disappointment as I thought we deserved at least to go to penalties. I really am unbelievably proud of the players. Everyone wants to finish first but finishing second at this level of competition after 63 games is a remarkable achievement. The players are very, very down as they felt they had a good chance of winning this competition. We’ve suffered a bitter blow, but when the pain lifts we can look forward to next season.”

The final had appeared to be heading for penalties, after Simon Davies’s stunning 37th-minute volley had answered Forlan’s opener and the score stayed at 1-1 deep into extra time.

“We started nervously which is not too surprising,” Hodgson said, “but we have a way of playing and at half-time just corrected a few things. We had good spells in the game, Atlético had good spells and it was very even. Goals change things and they got one so late that we didn’t have time to come back, even if we had had the legs. A penalty shoot-out is always a bit of a lottery but we would have had a chance.

“I never imagined we’d get here in my wildest dreams but that doesn’t help. Having been here and seen the team play so well we wanted to take that extra step. It’s very difficult to find any comfort and any joy and enthusiasm after the season we’ve had. My feelings are of sadness and bitter disappointment another good performance has not been rewarded. We’ve entertained our public this year and I’m sure we entertained a few people tonight.”