Fulham boss Ranieri: We played well and we have to continue in this way

Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri has a massive task on his hands if he is to get Fulham out of the Premier League relegation zone - they are currently rock bottom.

But he can take some comfort in his charges performance in the 2-0 defeat against neighbours Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

The ex-Blues boss said: I’m satisfied - not with result, of course - but with the way we reacted and played.

“I think we played much better today than against Southampton, and we have to continue in this way.

“The players need to understand my philosophy better because I like to play very fast. Today, we made good decisions in a very short period of time.

“I think it was a good match. At the beginning we gave them a good present when we lost the ball and they scored on the counter attack, but we reacted well.

“I told our players before the match that we can win or lose, but I want us to play with our philosophy.

“We didn’t make enough chances in the first half, but it was much better in the second half. With our two wingers, we created some problems for them and had chances to draw the match.

“In the end, they scored the second goal. I think it was a good match in the second-half, but when Maurizio [Sarri] made some changes and put on [Alvaro] Morata, [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek, it’s not easy. They have quality players – [Eden] Hazard is amazing.”

“I was pleased because in the first half we conceded one goal after a mistake in midfield, but after I decided to change the system and put two wingers who were faster than their defensive line, and we created some chances.

“Now, we think about the next match,” he said. “It’s a congested period but it’s important to improve our fitness, everything, because we’re pressing a lot and playing faster than before. It’s important for us to make a right decision in a very short time.

“It will be difficult in every game this season, but I am very confident in my players.”