Watching on: Silva’s ban meant he could not be on the touchline
(Picture: REUTERS)Marco Silva says a touchline ban was harder for himself than for his players after he watched from the stands as Fulham beat Sunderland 3-2 to book a place in the FA Cup fifth round.
With the original fourth-round match at Craven Cottage finishing 1-1, Fulham visited the Stadium of Light in the hope of extinguishing Championship Sunderland once and for all. They just about did so, booking a meeting with Leeds United in the next round with a chaotic yet entertaining 3-2 away win.
Silva watched on after being hit with a one-match touchline ban because he picked up his fourth yellow card of the season in Friday’s 0-0 draw with rivals Chelsea in the Premier League.
Following the win on Wednesday night, Silva said: “Tough game, as we expected. A little bit more under control from ourselves than the first one — even though the first one both teams played better than this evening.
“With the mistake we made for 3-2, the game is always open. An FA Cup tie is difficult and away from home even more difficult. I am really happy, and pleased for the players. It was always our goal to play the next round against Leeds at home and we are going to play.
“I knew before the match that we would not be the best. Even if they have the quality, nine changes is always a big number of changes. But, of course we are pleased with it. It’s too early to make a conclusion about the season but we are pleased. We want more.”
Asked whether he is looking forward to being back in the dugout for Fulham’s Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest at the weekend, Silva replied: “For sure, for sure! [It was] more difficult for me than for the players. The view is much better — you can see everything in a different way. But it’s really strange and of course I want to be there with my players to support them and feel the emotions of the game.”
