Marco Silva’s Candid Praise for Everton’s Doucoure and Mykolenko in Honest Interview
Fulham manager Marco Silva delivered a refreshingly honest post-match interview following his side’s 3-1 defeat to Everton on May 10, 2025, singling out Everton stars Abdoulaye Doucoure and Vitaliy Mykolenko for their pivotal roles in the loss. The former Everton boss, who faced his old club at Craven Cottage, didn’t hold back in praising the duo, admitting their performances were decisive in turning the game in Everton’s favor.
Silva, suspended and watching from the stands, highlighted Doucoure’s relentless energy and game-changing presence in midfield. “Doucoure’s drive is unmatched,” Silva said. “He controls the tempo, wins duels, and his movement off the ball hurt us. That lucky deflection for their equalizer came from his persistence.” Doucoure’s ability to disrupt Fulham’s rhythm and contribute to key moments, including setting up Mykolenko’s dangerous plays, left Silva frustrated but full of admiration.
The Fulham boss was equally effusive about Mykolenko, whose attacking and defensive contributions overwhelmed Fulham’s right flank. “Mykolenko’s crosses were lethal, and his defensive work rate stopped us from building,” Silva noted. “He’s become a complete full-back under Moyes.” Mykolenko’s precise delivery and tireless running were instrumental in Everton’s comeback, with his shot in the first half sparking the momentum shift. Silva admitted that failing to neutralize the Ukrainian’s influence was a critical error.
Reflecting on the match, Silva was candid about his team’s shortcomings, believing Everton’s resilience, driven by Doucoure and Mykolenko, exposed Fulham’s inability to maintain control after taking an early lead. “We let them back in, and those two punished us,” he said. Despite the loss, Silva’s praise for his former club’s stars underscored his respect for their quality and impact.
This honest assessment from Silva not only highlighted Doucoure and Mykolenko’s growing importance to Everton but also showcased the Portuguese manager’s class in defeat. As Everton celebrated a vital away win, Silva’s words served as a testament to the duo’s ability to turn games on their head, leaving Fulham rueing missed opportunities.
