Former Fulham winger Neeskens Kebano has hailed Marco Silva as one of the best coaches he’s worked with, saying the Portuguese tactician is “the kind of coach every player who wants to improve wants to have.”
Speaking to Top Mercato, Kebano reflected on his time under Silva at Craven Cottage, highlighting the manager’s honesty, intensity, and consistency in team selection. The DR Congo international believes Silva’s approach and ambition could take him even further in his managerial career.
“He’s always been honest with me, from the start. He’s already done some great things. I think he can go even higher. He’s really the kind of coach that every player who wants to improve wants to have.” — Neeskens Kebano, via Top Mercato
Kebano joined Fulham in 2016 and made 160 appearances across seven years, scoring 24 goals and providing 18 assists. Sixty-one of those came under Silva, who took charge in 2021 and immediately reinstated the winger into his plans after a loan spell at Middlesbrough.
Unfortunately, an Achilles tendon rupture in November 2022 halted Kebano’s progress, ruling him out for 27 matches and effectively ending his time in London. Still, the 31-year-old remembers Silva’s faith and professionalism fondly.
Kebano reflects on Silva’s impact and Fulham’s evolution
The forward, now playing in Kuwait with Qadsia SC, recalled a light-hearted moment from a recent reunion: “We met again in July when they were in training camp. He joked with me, saying I could come back, as I was out of contract at the time. I really wish him the best. He’s a great coach in the making.”
Kebano says Silva’s success at Fulham — stabilising them in the Premier League and guiding them to mid-table finishes — is proof of his tactical adaptability and strong man-management. “He doesn’t hesitate to play the best players, the players who are in form. He’s honest. That’s everything I like in a coach,” Kebano added.
How Marco Silva’s leadership style is transforming Fulham’s identity
Under Silva, Fulham have evolved from a yo-yo club to one with a clear identity built on fluid attacking play and disciplined organisation. Players who have worked under him frequently mention his clarity and fairness — traits that have helped the squad buy into his philosophy.
Insiders say Silva’s sessions are demanding but detailed, with an emphasis on positional understanding and quick decision-making. His calm but assertive demeanour has earned him the respect of senior players like Joachim Andersen and Bernd Leno, while younger squad members see him as an approachable mentor.
His record speaks for itself — guiding Fulham to one of their best-ever Premier League finishes and ensuring consistency across multiple seasons. It’s no surprise that he’s been linked with several top-six clubs and international roles in recent months.
Kebano’s legacy and Silva’s long-term influence
Despite his injury setbacks, Kebano remains a popular figure among Fulham fans. His versatility, work ethic, and humility made him a reliable presence on and off the pitch. The winger credits Silva for helping him refine his tactical awareness and professionalism during his later years in England.
“I learned a lot under him,” Kebano once said in a previous interview. “He brought a new energy to the club and made everyone believe we could compete, not just survive. That kind of belief stays with you.”
Now thriving abroad, Kebano continues to follow Fulham closely and says he isn’t surprised by Silva’s steady success in the Premier League — nor by the growing recognition of his coaching ability across Europe.
Analyst Verdict — by John William, FootballPlace
In my view, Kebano’s praise offers valuable insight into why Marco Silva’s management style works. We believe Silva’s blend of tactical control and player empowerment makes him one of the most balanced coaches in the Premier League.
His trajectory mirrors that of top-tier European coaches who evolved through adversity — learning from past experiences to become more adaptable and emotionally intelligent. If Fulham continue progressing under him, Silva’s name could soon feature among candidates for elite-level jobs.
Key Insights
- Neeskens Kebano praises Marco Silva as “honest” and “a great coach in the making.”
- The pair worked together at Fulham before Kebano’s move to the UAE and Kuwait.
- Silva’s communication and fairness praised by multiple ex-players.
- Fulham have become one of the league’s most tactically structured sides.
- Kebano believes Silva “can go even higher” in European football.
What’s Next
Marco Silva’s Fulham continue to build on their steady rise, aiming for another strong Premier League campaign and potential European qualification push. As for Kebano, his comments underline the respect Silva commands among former players — a testament to the culture he’s established at Craven Cottage.
👉 Could Marco Silva’s next step be managing in Europe’s elite competitions?
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