Marco Silva warns Fulham against complacency after hard-fought FA Cup win over Middlesbrough

Marco Silva revealed he warned his Fulham players against complacency before their FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough, admitting he expected a difficult afternoon despite the Championship side’s underdog status.

Fulham eventually booked their place in the fourth round with a 3-1 win at Craven Cottage, but only after being pushed hard for large spells by a well-organised Middlesbrough side.

Marco Silva said part of Fulham’s preparation focused on ensuring his players treated the tie with the respect it deserved.

Middlesbrough dominated much of the opening hour and took a deserved lead through Hayden Hackney, exposing Fulham’s lack of intensity and cohesion.

“First half, we didn’t play at our best level,” Silva admitted.

“It was slow. Off the ball, we were too open and not compact enough. On the ball, we didn’t have the normal dynamic to create chances.”

Forced to watch from the director’s box due to suspension, Silva made decisive interventions at half-time and early in the second half.

Seven changes had been made from Fulham’s previous fixture, and the manager acknowledged the toll of a congested schedule.

“This was our fourth game in ten days,” Silva explained.
“Some players didn’t have the same energy, but they made a massive effort.”

Introductions of senior figures such as Harry Wilson, Raúl Jiménez and Tom Cairney shifted momentum, while Antonee Robinson’s energy down the left proved key.

“When we changed, the impact was clear,” Silva said.
“When we are at our best level, our collective and individual quality puts us on top.”

Silva was keen to stress that Fulham’s struggles were as much about Middlesbrough’s strengths as his own side’s shortcomings.

Ahead of the tie, he had already highlighted the Championship club’s consistency.

“They are not where they are by luck,” Silva said.

“They have been very consistent, even with a change of manager. They are competitive, experienced and well balanced.”

That assessment was borne out by Middlesbrough’s performance, particularly in the first half, where Fulham were second best in midfield and defensive organisation.

While Fulham ultimately deserved their place in the next round, Silva felt the match reinforced an important lesson about the FA Cup.

“It’s always tricky to go from Chelsea and Liverpool to face a very good Championship side,” he said.
“If you are not at your best level in this competition, anything can happen.”

Fulham move into the FA Cup fourth round with momentum restored, but Silva will expect a sharper start next time. For the manager, the victory was welcome — but the performance served as a timely reminder of the competition’s unforgiving nature.