From Premier League Ambitions to Marco Silva: Bernd Leno's Exclusive Insights and the Impact of Aleksandar Mitrovic
Fulham's goalkeeper Bernd Leno opens up exclusively to Sky Sports about his burning desire to compete again, Fulham's transformation from a 'yo-yo' club, and the pivotal role played by powerhouse Aleksandar Mitrovic
"The break was ample, and it feels great to be back," stated Bernd Leno, seated at Motspur Park, as he reflects on his second season as a Fulham player following his departure from Arsenal last summer. With a relaxed posture, Leno stretches out his right leg, resting it on the weathered wooden seat before him, preparing for a string of interviews. Sporting a warm and cheerful expression, he greets journalists and camera operators with a friendly handshake.
"I feel a sense of fulfilment," he starts to explain. "Overall, I am happy. Ever since my first day at Fulham, I have been thoroughly enjoying my time here," the German international exclusively shares with We, just two days before our season opener against Everton at Goodison Park.
As the conversation began, the sun peeked through onto the stands, while the scent of freshly mowed grass hung in the air, creating an unmistakable feeling of excitement as players hustled about before our afternoon training session at Fulham's southwest London headquarters.
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Bernd Leno confidently faces Manchester United, capturing the attention of his teammates with his focused demeanor and efficient communication skills. The presence of an audience does not distract him from his task.
"Finally, with improved weather," he remarked, responding to inquiries about the anticipation of a fresh season at Craven Cottage, as though the warmth of the sun enticed the comeback of competitive fervor. "You can sense it in the air on the field - there's a heightened focus, players are more vocal, and we're all eagerly awaiting the start of the season," he further conveyed.
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Leno exceeded expectations last season, surprising many in the hypercritical world of football. Even the fans were taken aback, as many had predicted that Fulham would be relegated. However, our impressive performance and energy proved them wrong.
For the past five years, Fulham has been struggling to maintain their place in the top-flight. Their status has been constantly in flux, with relegation scares followed by successful returns to the Premier League.
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Their latest climb, however, has yielded much more fruitful results, showcasing a durability that was lacking in previous endeavors to establish themselves as a force in the Premier League.
Fulham, for the first time since 2013, can now guarantee themselves a second consecutive season among the elite teams of the Premier League, finally breaking free from the cyclical pattern that has seen the club switch divisions six times within the last six years.
Having experienced Fulham's repetitive pattern of promotion and relegation in recent years, Leno is determined to avoid a similar fate. He confidently declares, "We surprised many people by finishing where we deserved to be last season. Although opposing teams may now be more familiar with us, it doesn't change our mindset. We still approach each game with the intention to dominate, just as we did before."
With the wisdom and clarity of a seasoned player, the 31-year-old jokingly credits his German heritage for his articulate nature. However, his eloquence is genuine and not a facade. Leno, being a player of his caliber and intelligence, never intended to settle for a backup role, even at Arsenal. He considers his decision to move to the club last summer as an excellent one.
During an interview, a newspaper journalist inquired about Leno's transfer fee, which was £20m lower than what Arsenal had initially paid Bayer Leverkusen for his services in 2018. Leno playfully responded, "I believe it was quite a steal," as he disclosed that he had been compelled by the same journalist to classify it as such a year ago.
Despite the inflated market, Leno proved to be a steal with his exceptional performance. He achieved 144 saves, eight clean sheets, and numerous match-saving moments. Fulham's manager, Marco Silva, praised Leno's abilities. Among the Golden Glove standings, Leno ranked second, just behind David Raya of Brentford, who will soon join Arsenal.
Describing his manager, Leno mentioned that he is straightforward and expresses his thoughts right away. If he is unhappy with a player's performance, he shows it. Leno and the team are delighted that the club was able to retain Silva, as it is evident that he is enjoying his time here. They are certain that under his guidance, they will continue to improve.
Fulham's iconic striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been at the center of swirling rumors recently, particularly regarding a potential lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia. Mitrovic, known as a dominating force on the field, impressively netted 15 goals in 28 domestic matches last season, making him a persistent threat for any opposing team he faces.
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Aleksandar Mitrovic is Fulham's key player up front, scoring 14 Premier League goals last season
Fortunately, the Saudi Arabian interest has diminished at the moment, but redirecting unsettled thoughts may not be as easy. According to the former Arsenal goalkeeper, Mitro is a formidable force. Not only has he scored a significant number of goals in limited playing time, but his personality, leadership on the field, and ball control are also remarkable. All of my friends in the Premier League attest that he is a tough opponent to face - he cannot be easily moved, the ball is hard to retrieve from him, and he poses a significant threat inside the penalty area.
Leno is familiar with speculation, acknowledging that it is a normal part of the business. He sees it as a positive sign when other clubs express interest in both the players and the manager of his team. This indicates that they are performing well. Additionally, he praises the club for their successful efforts in retaining most of the team, emphasizing the presence of strong leaders within the core of the squad.
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Bernd Leno describes team-mate Aleksandar Mitrovic as a "beast"
Leno expressed his contentment with a positive start to the season, referencing last year's exhilarating 2-2 draw with Liverpool. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good energy, momentum, and confidence. Reflecting on his experience watching the Liverpool match from the stands, Leno acknowledged that his role has now changed as Fulham's established No 1. His responsibility lies in commanding and leading the team. Comparing his time at Fulham to his previous stint at the Emirates, Leno acknowledged that he faces a greater number of shots on target. He noted that playing for Arsenal felt more like being an outfield player, while at Fulham, the primary focus is on shot-stopping.
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The mood shifted from casual conversation to a more serious tone as the interview approached its end. Leno's previously upbeat demeanor turned serious when he addressed the issue of the Premier League's goal to crack down on time-wasting and impose additional injury time as a punishment for offenders. Leno confidently argues that this approach may not sit well with the players.
Personally, I find it illogical. While I acknowledge that a slight delay of one or two minutes is acceptable, extending the wait to nine or ten minutes is detrimental to the players.
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A crackdown on time-wasting and dissent will be in force for the start of the new season
"Although two minutes on top is acceptable, it seems like they are now pushing us to do more without considering our well-being as players. As a goalkeeper, it doesn't bother me much, but for the outfield players who have to run for 100 minutes or more, it has a significant impact."
Nevertheless, Leno's dedication to achieving success at Fulham remains unquestionable. Their impressive 10th place finish in the 2022/23 season garnered attention, but within the club, there is a hunger for greater accomplishments. Can the Cottagers surprise and disturb their opponents once again this time?
Leno concluded by expressing, "We have established a routine, particularly when playing at home, and now there is an anticipation for consistent excellence. This pressure is beneficial and unique, as we have delivered exceptional performances, and I am hopeful that we can continue to do so, potentially surpassing our previous achievements."
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