Sander Berge believes Fulham have continued to evolve this season despite back-to-back defeats, with the midfielder also backing Oscar Bobb to add more quality and competition in the final weeks of the campaign.
Sander Berge believes Fulham are continuing to move in the right direction despite a dip in results, with the midfielder insisting recent defeats do not alter the progress Marco Silva’s side have made this season. In an interview published by the club, Berge said Fulham have developed even without turning every performance into points, and argued that setbacks can still strengthen a squad over the course of a campaign.
Berge sees progress beyond results
Fulham’s momentum has been checked by consecutive 1-0 home defeats, but Berge made clear he does not view that run as evidence of a team standing still.
“I would say we’ve definitely progressed,” he said, speaking to Premier League Productions in an interview published by Fulham. “Even if you’re not necessarily winning every game, it doesn’t mean you’re not progressing.”
Fulham remain within reach of the club-record 54-point tally set last term, and Berge’s argument is that development is not only measured by the final score. His wider point was that difficult spells can still have value if the team responds properly.
“I think losing, and not always getting the result you want, doesn’t mean you don’t learn things,” he said. “I think that’s just part of the process of being an athlete and being part of a team. In the long run, that will make our character stronger and will make us a better side.”
Focus fixed on the final stretch
Berge’s tone was realistic rather than overly optimistic. He did not dismiss the disappointment of the past week, but he also made it clear Fulham’s targets remain alive with nine league matches still to play.
“But it’s nine games to go, we’re focused on performing as well as we can, hopefully win as many games as we can, and we’ll see where we are in two or three months’ time,” he said.
Bobb tipped to raise Fulham’s level
Berge also spoke warmly about Oscar Bobb, whose arrival in January gave Fulham a second Norway international in the squad. The midfielder said his international team-mate had settled quickly and predicted he would improve the side.
“He’s settled in very well,” Berge said. “Fantastic guy, so much quality.”
Berge pointed to Bobb’s technical level, intelligence and attacking output, adding: “He will make us a lot more competitive, makes the competition inside the team bigger, and his abilities on the ball to create, score goals and assists, how smart he is, he will add a lot here.”
He also said Bobb already feels at home in the dressing room. “I think he feels very welcomed, we’re a big family group, and he will just keep on getting better and better game by game,” Berge said.
From the interview, it is clear that despite a dip in results, the belief inside the squad has not. With nine matches still to play, he sees both a team still improving and a new signing capable of sharpening it further.