Hodgson hails Fulham effort

Boss proud after cup final heartache

Last updated: 12th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hodgson hails Fulham effort

Hodgson: Proud of side

These are knock-out games, they are decided by moments and ours was decided by the predatory instincts and the finishing power of Diego Forlan.

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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson could not hide his disappointment after seeing his side beaten in extra-time in the Europa League final.

Diego Forlan scored with just five minutes of added time left to win the final for Atletico, 2-1 in Hamburg.

Forlan had given Atletico a first-half lead only for Simon Davies to volley Fulham level.

But Hodgson's men were beaten by Forlan's goal and the Fulham boss admits it was tough to take losing so late.

"Their two front players were very good, throughout the game and you have to give them credit but I thought we played well and gave them more than a good game," Hodgson said after the game.

"I thought we were good value and I thought for all the world it was heading for penalties, which of course is a lottery but we would have been quite happy to take that lottery.

"So at the moment the disappointment is conceding a goal so close to the end when I thought we looked so comfortable through the second half and most of extra time.

No criticism

"I couldn't be more proud of the players for this season and this performance tonight, this performance tonight summed up what we are - all through the season they have been producing against the odds, pulling out performances nobody would expect - we go a goal down tonight and found the capacity to equalise and then almost take it to penalties.

"Of course you can't be happy after that sort of defeat even if it comes in extra-time but I don't have a word of criticism for the team, and the fans were magnificent as usual and I think all our fans realise we did as good a job as we could do, but just fate was against us lifting the trophy.

"I think we have every reason to be proud of this season and be proud tonight despite our disappointment."

Hodgson admits that in the end, Forlan was the difference between the two sides.

"You take every defeat hard, we came here tonight wanting to win and I am sure everyone will have sympathy with us, they realise we were a match for our opponents, but it wasn't to be," he told Five.

"These are knock-out games, they are decided by moments and ours was decided by the predatory instincts and the finishing power of Diego Forlan.

"I thought we kept Forlan and Aguero quite quiet considering how good they are but we didn't keep them quiet for long enough."

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Comments (50)

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Nick G (Sunderland fan) says...

Fulham did every fan in our Country proud and have had a magnificent season, but the game clearly identified why we are the bridesmaid when it comes down to technique on the ball itself. Our game is so predictable, when it is the totally unexpected which wins the prize. However, Fulham now have a leader of men in Roy Hodgson which is why they are improving at such a rapid rate and are a joy to watch.

Posted 13:09 13th May 2010

James Thomas (West Ham United fan) says...

Fulham can be proud of their display last night. Well done lads you've shown everyone that the smaller teams can be just as good as the bigger ones. Unlucky on the result though.

Posted 13:04 13th May 2010

Gordon W (Blackburn Rovers fan) says...

Well done to Roy and the Fulham team. Sorry you didn't quite get there, but a fantastic effort. Could we have found Sir Alex's replacement at Man U, in a couple of seasons? Super manager.

Posted 13:00 13th May 2010

Pete Smith says...

Massive effort Fulham, well played. Once the dissapointment wears off, I'm sure the Fulham fans will remember how well they have done in Europe this year. Well done Roy.

Posted 12:36 13th May 2010

Lynn Ritchie (Arsenal fan) says...

Massive respect to Roy and his boys, many a manager i.e. Redknapp and O'Neil would have thrown the competition that they strive to get into, months ago, specially if they thought it was affecting their league position but fair do's to Roy, he kept going and I for one was rooting for you. There were no ego's or I's on show last night, it was a genuine Team! Good luck in the future.

Posted 12:02 13th May 2010

Chris Gurrell (Liverpool fan) says...

Fulham got extremely unlucky last night, that Forlan goal made me think of the game where we (Liverpool) got knocked out i the semis, anyway you played really well and Hodgson has made Fulham into a fantastic team. The team are great, and if you are in europe next season (not sure if you are, need to check) then you should easily win the Europa League. Good Luck for next season from me and i daresay everybody else here who feltt sorry for you last night. Chris

Posted 11:49 13th May 2010

Stephen K (Liverpool fan) says...

Gera worked incredibly hard. Hats off to a great Fulham effort.

Posted 11:49 13th May 2010

Brian Mccarthy (Arsenal fan) says...

My heart goes out to Fulham manager, players, staff and fans. What an achievement this would have been to have won the Europa Cup after putting some of the finest European sides to the sword. Ye can hold ye're heads up high lads. Ye are a credit to your club, league and country. Over the years some premier league clubs have showed little interest in this competition and put weaker sides out but i think Fulham have shown that by getting as far as they have they will be held in higher esteem in England and especially in Europe. Let's hope to see Fulham in europe again soon. Well done lads.

Posted 11:10 13th May 2010

Paul Arnold (Fulham fan) says...

As a lifelong Fulham fan i always found that most true Fulham fans were Chelsea fans as well except when the teams played each other which has not been often in recent history. Perhaps things have changed since we became premiership but i was always proud of both clubs and the fact that West London 'rivalry' was so healthy .

Posted 10:57 13th May 2010

Jake G (Ipswich Town fan) says...

Absolutly brilliant! Fulham fans can be very proud of their team, the hunger they have shown all season is second to none and Fulham are real ambassadors for english football, it just goes to show that if you really believe you can accomplish things, shame you didnt win, but your winners in my books, and im sure i speak for the entire country when i say you did England proud. Roy Hodgson for manager of the season!

Posted 10:50 13th May 2010

Peter Van de biezen (Arsenal fan) says...

I don't think I've heard a single person being negative about last night's defeat. Fulham are an awesome example on how hard work and team spirit can achieve great results. In a time when many team's success is based on their owners bank balance I feel teams like Fulham and Aston Villa remind us of what football is really about. Well done to all Fulham fans !!!

Posted 10:49 13th May 2010

Alan Boyce (Manchester United fan) says...

Im personally glad im not a fulham fan after that final, because personally i dont think i could take the heartbreak of such a match and i feel for the fulham players, staff and fans ! Congratulations to them on reaching the final !

Posted 10:45 13th May 2010

Danny Webb (Chelsea fan) says...

I was gutted when that goal went in. I think Fulham should have won this one, if they had that bit more energy in the tank Forlan would never have scored that lucky goal! I fancied Fulham on penalties.

Posted 10:37 13th May 2010

Robert Innes (Rangers fan) says...

Unlucky chin up bigman, it will be your turn next year....

Posted 10:12 13th May 2010

David Simon (Chelsea fan) says...

I know most Fulham fans don't have much time over for Chelsea but I hope you understand that 99% of the Chelsea fans were supporting you last night. Such a shame you couldn't have won the final to cap off an excellent season for you! What you may lack in technical ability you more than make up for with passion and desire. Be proud, you have really showed the world there is more than one team in SW6! It was heartbreaking seeing so many Fulham fans crying in the stands. Made me think of Moscow 08...

Posted 09:47 13th May 2010

Nick Edwards (Fulham fan) says...

I thought we were unlucky last night, I was speechless absolutely gutted, but as everyone keeps telling me we did really well to get there and I suppose we can appreciate the magnitude of how great our season has been and the sheer volume of games we've played this year. Well done the lilywhites! I just hope Roy stays and we carry on performing!

Posted 09:37 13th May 2010

Justin B (Liverpool fan) says...

This was a bitter defeat. However, Fulham can look back with pride to their magnificent run, beating the likes of Juventus and Hamburg. I bet the nerves were getting the better of you. Some of the passing was woeful and the amount of space Konchesky had throughout the match, whilst never getting the ball, or getting the ball passed behind him was sour to look at. However, despite the that, you still managed to equal Atletico. Too bad they have that brilliant Sergio Aguero and Forlan, who had very good positional sense yesterday. I do think the difference between you and Atletico was Aguero, not Forlan. Without him, Forlan never had gotten those balls.

Posted 08:52 13th May 2010

Barrie Jackson (Manchester United fan) says...

Brilliant display Fulham but the luck wasn't with you. Atletico's first goal maybe marginally offside and the winner was going wide but was deflected in. I think you've won many fans around the world this season and long may it continue. Just goes to show the importance of team effort and a good coach. Let's hope you soon pick up a trophy!

Posted 08:44 13th May 2010

Martin(rangers fan) Colquhoun says...

I just want to say well done to fulham, it was just a really big achievement getting to the final and to beat the teams that they have on the way was nothing short of amazing. They showed charachter all through the tournament and roy hodgson has done a fantastic job for the club.

Posted 08:41 13th May 2010

Bethany Sinclair (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Fair play to Fulham! They have had a blinding European season this year and deserve all the credit they get! A trophy would have been the icing on the cake, but they certainly had their cake!

Posted 08:27 13th May 2010
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