Fulham manager Marco Silva has provided insight into his decision to leave Alex Iwobi on the bench for the club’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Nigerian midfielder was introduced in the second half, with Silva opting to rotate his squad to ensure freshness after a demanding fixture schedule.
Rotation to manage player fatigue
Speaking on Fulham’s official website, Silva explained that Iwobi, alongside teammates Antonee Robinson and Calvin Bassey, had accumulated significant playing time in recent matches.
The decision to start without them was aimed at maintaining squad fitness and ensuring the team remained competitive throughout the season.
We knew we would need fresh legs. The last game was difficult in terms of performance, and I knew this one would require more rested players, Silva stated.
Managing player workload is particularly crucial in the Premier League, where fixture congestion can take a toll on performance levels.
Silva acknowledged that making wholesale changes is never easy, but he felt it was necessary given the physical demands on his squad.
Changing five players at our level in the Premier League is not easy, he admitted.
Squad depth and tactical adjustments
Another key factor behind Silva’s selection was the need to adapt tactically due to limited attacking options.
The Fulham boss highlighted that veteran winger Willian was not fully fit to start, which further influenced his decision-making.
With several players in need of recovery time, Silva opted for a different approach, allowing others to step in while ensuring Iwobi and others could contribute effectively from the bench.
The strategy paid off as Fulham secured a crucial win to strengthen their position in the league.
Looking ahead
Iwobi, who has been an integral part of Fulham’s midfield since joining from Everton, will be expected to play a key role in upcoming fixtures.
As the team navigates a challenging season, Silva’s squad rotation could prove vital in maintaining consistency and preventing injuries.
With Fulham aiming for a strong finish in the league, Silva’s approach reflects a long-term strategy to balance player fitness while keeping the squad competitive.
Iwobi’s influence remains significant, and he will likely return to the starting lineup in the coming matches as Fulham continues their campaign.
