Murphy’s Fulham fitness warning

Tuesday, 19/07/2011

by Jack Cavilla, Shoot's Fulham blogger

Fulham captain Danny Murphy believes the early competitive start to the season for the Europa League qualifying rounds should have the Whites firing on all cylinders come the start of the new Premier League campaign.

The 34-year-old midfielder acknowledges that if Fulham are to go on another European run then maintaining his fitness will be very important.

“You kind of look after yourself individually and make sure you’re as fit as you can be," he said. "They say as you get older you look after yourself better and it’s true. Everybody is so fit and athletic but I feel good and I’m trying to make sure I don’t hit my peak too soon as we’re only in July."

Murphy has remained an ever-present part of Fulham’s success over the last couple of seasons and he sees no reason why the forthcoming one should be any different.

“Of course you have good and bad spells but you do need that bit of luck when the games are coming thick and fast, especially around Christmas time.

“There is no way anybody is going to be able to play all the games this season, especially in midfield. It’s going to be a case of being pulled out at the right time and that’s going to have to be the manager’s decision.”

With the departures of John Pantsil, Zoltan Gera, Diomansy Kamara and Jonathan Greening this summer, manager Martin Jol will be looking to add some depth to his squad in preparation for a busy schedule ahead.

John Arne Riise is the first new face in at the West London club and there are sure to be some further additions before the new league campaign gets underway.

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