EPL: Why I substituted Iwobi, two others after 33 minutes against Forest – Fulham coach, Silva

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EPL: Why I substituted Iwobi, two others after 33 minutes against Forest – Fulham coach, Silva

Fulham coach, Marco Silva has explained his decision for his first half substitutions during his side’s Premier League 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening.

Fulham were not in the game at all in the first 20 minutes as they found themselves two goals down after goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood.

Disappointed with the early two goals, Silva reacted by making three tactical substitutions.

The Portuguese replaced Alex Iwobi, Sasa Lukic and Harry Wilson, with Adama Traore, Tom Cairney and Willian coming on.

His substitutions had no effect on the game as Morgan Gibbs-White increased the lead to 3-0 for the hosts in first half.

However, Tosin Adarabioyo headed home from a corner to reduce the deficit at the start of the second half.

Speaking at his post-match interview, Silva said he made the substitutions in the 33rd minute because he wanted his team to maintain possession, adding that it was not influenced by individual performances.

“I wanted to see a reaction. I want to be clear it was not the fault of the players who came off,” he said.

“In that moment, if I could have changed more, I would have. I don’t want to highlight those three players, it was not their fault.

“At that moment, I wanted to keep more of the ball and with Tom Cairney and Willian they were able to do that.

“I wanted to create some one v ones on the right-hand side and Adama is able to do that.”