Dickson Etuhu summed up the mood in the dressing room as one of jubilation on Thursday evening after Fulham recorded a memorable UEFA Europa League victory over UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk.
“It’s a dream come true,” he enthused. “A lot of people didn’t think we could do it, but we always knew that if we worked hard and kept our organisation we would cause them problems, and things worked out for us, so now we look forward to the next game.”
Dickson played a key role in the centre of midfield, on the frontline of two defensive banks that worked tirelessly to keep Shakhtar’s creative attackers at bay. It required 90 minutes of total concentration, tracking and interceptions, but it was nothing that the Nigerian powerhouse isn’t accustomed to.
“They’re a great team – anyone can see that, but we’re not an easy team to play against either,” he assessed. “We’re used to playing against the best teams in the world like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, so we were well prepared and came with a game plan.
“The gaffer prepared us to deal with their pressure and hopefully everybody saw that. We’re lucky because we’ve got great coaches at the Club who help us to play to our strengths against these teams.”
Next up for Fulham’s European heroes is a Round of 16 tie with Juventus in a fortnight’s time, but, as Dickson points out, with Premier League and FA Cup fixtures to come before then, there is plenty else to prepare for before the meeting with the Italian giants.
“We’re excited and enjoying the moment now, not thinking about the next game yet,” he said. “Before Juventus comes Sunderland away on Sunday in the league, our bread and butter, and the most important thing. So we’re happy, we’ll enjoy this, but tomorrow we’ll move on.”
The two-legged Round of 16 provides yet another spectacle in what is shaping up to be one of the best seasons in Fulham Football Club history. A solid campaign in the top half of the Premier League, coupled with progress to the latter stages of two major cup competitions is success to savour, and the games are coming thick and fast in a season that just keeps on giving.
“It’s crazy,” he exclaimed. “I only got back from the African Nations two-and-a-half weeks ago and I’ve played six games already. But it’s good to be back in the thick of things and playing every week – or every three days.
“We’re all enjoying it and long may it continue.”