Peter Henry
Former Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has revealed that he is confident he could have turned things around at Craven Cottage after he was sacked last Wednesday, although he respectfully accepts the clubs decision.
Jokanovic took over the reigns at Fulham in December of 2015, saving the West London club from relegation to League One and installing a brand of attacking football that won widespread acclaim.
The Serbian coach then lead Fulham back to the promised land of the Premier League via the playoffs last season, four years after their relegation from the top flight.
However, Fulham owner Shahid Khan decided to replace Jokanovic with Claudio Ranieri on Wednesday with the Cottagers currently bottom of the table after losing six successive games and with the worst defensive record in the division.
Jokanovic has now released a statement via the LMA in which he states that he will look back on his time in charge of Fulham with great pride and gratitude.
“I reflect on my spell at Fulham with immense pride and gratitude, looking back on great memories following my appointment at this fantastic football club almost three years ago now,” said Jokanovic.
“We have been on an exciting journey together. It all started when we avoided relegation to League One in my first season, before reaching the play-offs in my second year and then achieving promotion to the Premier League on an unforgettable day at Wembley back in May.
“I feel that we gave the club’s fans a footballing identity and a team to be proud of.
“I was still confident that we would have been able to turn things around after our slow start to the season, just as we had done in previous years, but I respectfully accept the club’s decision.
“I would like to express my gratitude to (owner) Shahid Khan for giving me the opportunity to manage this great club and for his kindness. I extend my thanks to everyone at Fulham Football Club.
“It has also been a real pleasure to work with the players, and my staff and I wish to thank the squad for all of their effort and dedication.
“Finally, I am extremely grateful to the Fulham fans for their support since I arrived at the club and their very kind messages following my departure.”