Marco Silva frustrated as Fulham crash to FA Cup upset against Southampton

By SABC Sport
9th March 2026

Marco Silva has admitted Fulham endured a "very bad afternoon" after their shock FA Cup exit against Southampton on Sunday, but insisted team selection alone did not explain the defeat.

The Portuguese coach made nine changes for the fifth-round tie at Craven Cottage, yet watched his side slump to a painful 1-0 loss after a dramatic late penalty from Ross Stewart.

Fulham dominated possession and fired 24 shots but struggled badly with their finishing. Despite controlling large periods of the match, they failed to seriously test goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and paid the price for their wastefulness.

Silva named several experienced players in his rotated side. Samuel Chukwueze, Oscar Bobb, Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon all started, while veteran midfielder Tom Cairney added leadership. Key attacker Harry Wilson missed out through injury.

Speaking after the match, Silva made it clear he believed the issues ran deeper than rotation.

"It's more than that," Silva said. "It was a bad afternoon for us and for our fans. We need to look deeper because I'm not pleased at all with what happened.

"If it's because of the changes then fine, I understand that. But Sessegnon and Timothy Castagne have played this season against top Premier League sides, while Oscar Bobb and Samuel Chukwueze are at the level."

Silva accepted responsibility but defended the strength of his squad.

"I understand I get the blame for making the changes," he said. "Nine changes are nine changes, but I see it differently because these players have started many games for us this season."

The Fulham manager pointed to poor efficiency in the final third as the decisive factor.

"When you have 24 shots and they don't create many clear chances, it's simple," he explained. "We reached their box often and created from wide areas, but the end product was not good enough. We have to finish better, be quicker and arrive in the right positions.

"They had five shots and were dangerous on the counter. It's about mindset. Our end product was not at the level it should be."

Fulham supporters voiced their frustration at full-time, but Silva promised a strong response as the club turned focus back to the Premier League campaign.

"It's our obligation," he said. "We must accept it was a very poor afternoon. Anything can happen in football, but this was more than that.

"We have to look deeper, and that starts with me."