After Sunday’s disappointing defeat to Manchester City at Craven Cottage, Whites midfielder Zoltan Gera has this week’s FA Cup Quarter-Final Replay firmly in his sights.
Having played out a goalless draw with Tottenham little more than two weeks ago, Fulham travel to White Hart Lane on Wednesday determined to secure their first Wembley appearance in 35 years.
Following Thursday’s memorable UEFA Europa League triumph, the Whites were brought back to reality as a result of City’s 2-1 victory, but our Hungarian schemer believes Fulham can bounce back with a bang.
Speaking exclusively to fulhamfc.com he said: “The result on Sunday was disappointing, we all know that, especially after the game against Juventus. But we made it very difficult for ourselves because we just didn’t start the game very well.
“It’s tough to come back from two goals at half-time, and had my chance in the first-half not been cleared off the line, maybe we would have seen a different outcome. That said, we did play better in the second-half and probably should have taken something.
“But we have to forget about that game now, and we have the perfect match to bounce back in this week when we face Tottenham in the Quarter-Final of the FA Cup.
“We are facing a very good side, and one that has a lot of top players. We know this will be a difficult game, as the first one proved. There wasn’t a lot between the two teams that afternoon, and I think it will probably be the same again.
“We have faced them three times already this season, so we know what they are all about. We’re yet to beat them though, having drawn twice and lost one. So hopefully we can change that this week. It could be a matter of whichever team makes the most of the opportunities that they are given.”
And when considering his current form, few would back against the 30-year-old taken his, for Gera has become Fulham’s man for the big occasion scoring against CSKA Sofia, FC Basel, Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus.
“Well this is a big occasion,” enthuses Zolly. “For the players, fans and the Club. It will be an important night for us all, and hopefully I can play my part. I am pleased with my season so far, but there is always more that you can do.
“I have managed to score some important goals, and I would like to do so again. It’s always nice to score, but of course, when it has a greater importance for the team that is great.
“But it’s not just about one player, this is a team and we all have the same hopes for Wednesday – we all want to go through.”
Reward for Wednesday night’s winners will be a trip to Wembley, if successful it will be the Club’s first visit since they reached the 1975 FA Cup Final.
“It has been a long while since Fulham last ran out at Wembley,” he added. “So to be part of a team that achieves that for the Club would be very special.
“And it’s a special place to play, one of the best. I have been lucky enough to play there twice before, but I would love to go back and this time with Fulham.”