Fulham boss Marco Silva has insisted he is focused on Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Crystal Palace despite it being “very nice” to hit the significant milestone of 500 games in management.
The Cottagers are preparing to feature in their second FA Cup quarter-final in three seasons after successfully negotiating three rounds of action.
Fulham began their FA Cup journey with a commanding 4-1 home win over Watford, before they recorded a narrow 2-1 away victory over Wigan Athletic.
The Cottagers then held their nerve to beat Manchester United on penalties in the fifth round tie at Old Trafford earlier this month.
Silva is now just one game away from guiding Fulham to a Wembley semi-final, although there is another reason why Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off is extra special for the 47-year-old.
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Silva opens up on 500 games milestone
Silva is set to take charge of his 500th game in a managerial career which started back in 2011 with Portuguese side Estoril.
After coaching Estoril in 116 matches, Silva went on to manage Sporting Lisbon, Olympiacos, Hull City, Watford and Everton before he was appointed Fulham boss in the summer of 2021.
Silva has taken charge of 174 games as Fulham manager, overseeing 81 victories, 35 draws and 58 defeats in all competitions.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Fulham boss admitted that 500 is a “very nice number”, although he was keen to stress that his focus is on Saturday’s quarter-final.
“I’m feeling very well,” Silva said. “Preparing for a big game for us. Nothing feels really different than the previous one.
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Silva comments on “special journey”
“It’s a very nice number to be honest, but it’s just another game that is really important. It’s been a long journey, a special one.
“I’m proud of what I’ve been doing so far but I want much more to come and better things to come as well.”
If Silva is to get a win in his 500th game, he will have to do without the injured trio of Reiss Nelson, Harry Wilson and Kenny Tete.
However, the Fulham manager delivered the positive news that he has no fresh injury concerns following the international window.
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