Why Andreas Pereira was left out of Fulham squad for Tottenham clash | OneFootball

Marco Silva insists omission not related to recent interview, the translation of which has been strongly criticised by Pereira

His omission came in the wake of an interview Pereira gave to a Brazilian media outlet in which he appeared to describe it as “unfortunate” that a move to Marseille broke down in the summer and was reported to have said “let’s see what will happen in January”.

Pereira insisted that, in the interview, he had “expressed my happiness and satisfaction with being at Fulham.” Silva was asked after the match as to whether Pereira’s interview was the reason he had been left out.

“No, not at all,” Silva replied. “I didn’t read the interview. I know some of the topics in the interview. I didn’t read the interview. For me, to read something from my players, I have to be sure that they did [say] it.

Andreas Pereira did not feature in Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham

REUTERS

“I know what you are talking about. I want to tell you that Andreas is going to be back stronger to help the team like he’s been helping every single moment. He’s going to be the important player he’s been since he joined our football club. Nothing related to the interview.”

Silva added: “[It was] not to protect him at all. I don’t make decisions regarding interviews. I don’t follow social media; I don’t read newspapers.

“Decisions from myself come from the daily basis with my players. Nothing more. He was not ready for the game today.”

Silva, when asked whether Pereira was injured, replied: “No. It was during the week; it was a technical decision from myself.”