Hodgson wary of Wolfsburg threat

FULHAM boss Roy Hodgson has no intention of taking Wolfsburg lightly as he attempts to guide his side into yet more unchartered territory tonight.

Fulham’s Europa League adventure has already seen them account for UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk and Italian giants Juventus.

Wolfsburg may not be as quite as big a name as the Serie A giants but they are the Bundesliga champions and began the season in the Champions League – exiting the tournament after Manchester United beat them 3-1 thanks to Michael Owen’s hat-trick.

Hodgson has dismissed suggestions they are any less of a threat to his side’s chances of a historic place in the semi-finals.

“I wouldn’t say that,” he said. “Wolfsburg were in the Champions League, they won the German league last year ahead of Bayern Munich. And Bayern Munich have just beaten Manchester United – so we have no chance.

“They are a good team, they score a lot of goals, they have good attacking players and they are hard-working and well-organised.

“We know the task is a tough one but for me every one of the seven teams we could have played is a good team and a team capable of beating us.”

Fulham have lost their last three matches since that epic night at Craven Cottage when Juve were hammered 4-1. But Hodgson rested five key players in last weekend’s defeat at Hull as he prioritised tonight’s first leg at Craven Cottage.

“I don’t think our performances have been worthy of criticism but there is no doubt that, all the time we were in the cup competitions, they would be somewhat more of a priority than the league because in the league we are relatively safe,” he said.

“We have put the cup matches in the shop window.

“We feel a sense of achievement and pride that we have overcome so many obstacles to get this far.

“Having overcome those obstacles, many of which were in the shape of very good teams, we have earned the right to believe in ourselves and to believe that, if luck continues to favour us, we can go even further.;;

Midfielder Simon Davies sees no reason why Fulham cannot go all the way in the competition, but echoed his manager’s sentiments that Wolfsburg will be no pushovers.

“The hard work getting here has been all worthwhile,” he said. “Then to get past the two clubs we beat to get to the quarters has given us that extra belief that we can achieve something in this cup.

“But we know Wolfsburg are a quality team, we’ve watched a lot of videos this week. They are very offensive and score a lot of goals. It will be a tough game.”