What can we expect from Luis Boa Morte in the Fulham dugout?
Written by Rhys Daly on 30th March 2023
Luis Boa Morte will be taking charge of Fulham’s Premier League fixtures during Marco Silva’s upcoming suspension – and Rhys Daly has taken a look at what we can expect.
Luis Boa Morte is a man who describes hit tactical ideology as subjective – much like the series of events that will see him take charge in the Fulham dugout.
With Marco Silva facing an extended touchline ban for what the official spokesperson of the FA has described as alleged misconduct, Boa Morte’s managerial nouse will be put to the test at the highest level.
A Fulham legend by all accounts, Boa Morte has hinted as his coaching style in the years at have followed his 2013 retirement, having made 250 FFC appearances between 2000 and 2007.
A solid start
Having been drafted in to assist Fulham academy coaches back in 2014, Boa Morte has since spent time with Sporting Lisbon’s B team and U19s before working for Arsenal as a scout.
His first – and so far only – full managerial role came with Sintrense across 2017 and 2018, with spells at both at Portimonense and Maccabi Haifa before linking up with Marco Silva at Everton.
Now back in the top flight with Fulham following last season’s steamrolling of the Championship, Boa Morte will put to the test the ideals he described back in a chat with GOAL in 2019.
Embed from Getty ImagesHis own stamp?
Boa Morte described in detail how his tactics will change based on the opposition – and even during fixtures if things aren’t going to plan.
With that in mind, don’t be surprised at earlier substitutions than we might be used to under Silva – although a change in shape might be a tad bolder in his limited power.
Boa noted that the position of his team will impact how he plans for fixtures, suggesting his Fulham side will not be content with a draw with survival all but secure.
In terms of his interaction with the personnel, the 45-year-old said that he was fascinated by the challenge of getting the best out of those he is coaching.
Having expressed a desire to be close, but not too close, with players – Boa Morte eyes finding the right balance while understanding individual needs.
Although he has been insistent about following the ways of the manager during his spell as an assistant, he might be given the freedom to lay down a marker after recent links to the Cardiff role.
A tough ask
With upcoming fixtures against Bournemouth, West Ham and Everton, Fulham can either solidify their top 10 status or slip into the bottom half of the table – with FA Cup progression, rather painfully, no longer a so-called distraction.
Boa Morte will also need to find an alternative to Aleksandar Mitrovic, as Silva likely will on his own return, with Carlos Vinicius given an extended period to impress.
Although not shy of a red during his playing days, five during his time at the Cottage, Boa Morte might well be on his best behaviour as Fulham look to rebuild their season.
