Fulham head coach Marco Silva started Alex Iwobi on the bench for Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Wolves, a move he described as necessary for managing player fatigue.
Softfootball gathered that the Nigerian international entered the match in the second half, with Silva prioritizing fresh legs after a difficult performance in the previous weekend’s fixture.
The Portuguese manager highlighted the physical demands placed on key players like Iwobi, Antonee Robinson, and Calvin Bassey, who have logged significant minutes this season.
He explained that rotating five starters in the Premier League is challenging but essential for maintaining intensity. With Willian not yet physically ready to start and limited wing options available, Silva adjusted the formation to cope with the absence of natural wide players.
Silva emphasized the need for freshness in the squad. He said:
We knew that we were going to need some fresh legs inside. The last game for us on Saturday was a difficult one… and I knew that coming here the game was going to demand from us some fresh legs inside.
Iwobi’s introduction helped stabilize the team as they held on for the win. Silva’s approach reflects a broader strategy of preserving core players for the long haul, ensuring they remain effective during the crucial stages of the campaign. The result suggests the rotation policy paid off, allowing Fulham to secure three points despite a shuffled lineup.
