Andoni Iraola Discusses Fulham's Start, Isak's Form & An Injury Update Ahead of Saturday's Clash

"We still need to train this afternoon but Barcola was just cramps. We have to evaluate but there's no injury he should be available if everything goes normal."

"Cody we will see. Today we will try with him and let's see if he's ready for tomorrow or we have to wait until the next one."

"Hugo, it's difficult with long-term injuries. It's still far. We had a meeting with all the medical department to analyse and complete the list of European games and there's a chance he could play in the last two games of the opening stage but it's too early to say."

"We have put him there as there's a hope and a realistic chance he could play."

"We have just played three Premier League games and it's too early (to judge). Fulham is a great example. They have played well in their three games but lost by one goal. If you didn't see their points you'd have thought they'd have four or five. They have looked comfortable on the ball and have technically lovely players and it's difficult to press well against them."

"But they have also conceded goals. I expect for sure they'll have been working on that. We know they haven't changed the squad a lot, the core of the team is the same. It's going to be a difficult game."

"We played very few times together in the national team, we were fighting more or less for position but I think he was more successful than me in that case!"

"We haven't had too much of a relationship since then, we've had games when we've played against each other. But this is the Premier League - once the game starts you focus on yourself."

"The teams has goals. We are normally in all the games we have chances and have scored two goals in each game. Now it's about being more efficient, not conceding two goals against Newcastle and Forest and especially when the goals come." 

"We aren't starting the games too well and when you start like at Ipswich then the games look more comfortable. When you are losing you have to do more to come back and it looks different. We didn't start badly the other day but Atletico had their chance."

"Alex could have scored early and the games change. The start of the games is a part we can improve. Second half we are normally better but I want us to enfore ourselves from the beginning."

"I said before the game on Wednesday he is a great player, understands the game and has experience which is very good for quite a young team we have right now. I hope we can keep this level of performance and improve it."

"He is going well. I am happy with the improvements he is doing game to game. With the physical side he is in a very good place. Technically we know he's very good, understanding better what we need from a number nine position. He has to help us not just in the goals but in a lot of things."

"Ronald is used to playing big games, playing in Champions League, fighting for titels and playing for a big club. For him the bigger challenge is the language, he doesn't speak English. But he has good help inside the changing room. This change mentally has helped him a lot."


"He had a lot of years at Barca and needed this kind of change. It helps that performance wise he has been playing very well. It's difficult to come into the game as a centre-back from the bench but did a good job against Newcastle and Forest. When he's had a position to start in maybe not his main position, he has done well." 

"It wasn't just the physicality. It was the mentality side, concentrating for 90 minutes. Now we are playing better second half which means we are finishing games strong but we need the full 90 minutes, not just the start or the end of games."

"For me, Koumas the first week I was here I already told the club he was staying. I had very few doubts. He's someone who trains very well, good attitude, good player, scores goals. He needs to add more things obviously as he's a young player but he has good amount of experience playing in Championship at high level."


"He is ready to help us. When I bring him on he helps us in all situations. He has a very clear idea of what he needs to do, which is help the team. He understands this. When you have that mentality normally it is good."