Fulham assistant coach Gonçalo Santos has praised Marco Silva’s leadership, describing him as one of the best Portuguese coaches today – _“if not the best”_.
Speaking to [**Bola na Rede**](https://bolanarede.pt/especial-bola-na-rede/entrevista-bnr/era-um-objetivo-meu-ir-para-a-premier-league-e-jogar-contra-os-melhores-no-melhor-campeonato-do-mundo-entrevista-bnr-a-goncalo-santos/), he said Silva’s arrival transformed Fulham from a “yo-yo team” into a stable, ambitious Premier League side.
_“When Marco joined, Fulham were known for going up and down,”_ Santos recalled. _“He changed that. The club is now stable, and the goal every season is to compete at the highest level.”_
Santos pointed out that Silva’s long-term approach brought steady growth. From guiding the team out of the Championship to achieving Fulham’s best-ever Premier League points total last season, the manager’s progress has been constant. _“That record will be hard to beat,”_ he admitted. _“But our aim is always to do better than before.”_
He stressed that Silva’s work ethic and tactical clarity have made the difference. _“It’s been a long process, but the club is now completely different. The project has identity, ambition and consistency.”_
#### **Fulham manager one of a successful Portuguese group**
Santos also reflected on the growing presence of Portuguese managers in England. At the time, four were leading top-flight clubs – Marco Silva, Rúben Amorim, Nuno Espírito Santo and Vítor Pereira. Portugal, he noted, was second only to Spain in managerial representation.
He credited José Mourinho for paving the way. _“We owe him a lot,”_ Santos said. _“He opened the door for all of us in Europe. Portuguese coaches have shown they can adapt to any environment and handle all types of challenges.”_
The connection between them may not be daily, but it is genuine. _“We always talk before and after matches,”_ he explained. _“Of course, we don’t want them to win against us,”_ he added with a laugh, _“but we want all of them to succeed.”_
#### **Shared vision with Marco Silva**
Before joining Fulham, Santos managed Casa Pia in Portugal, but his link with Silva goes much further back. _“I played for him during his first three years as a coach,”_ he said. _“Even then, everyone knew he would have a big career.”_
He described their current partnership as natural. _“We see football in a very similar way, and we complement each other well,”_ he said. _“Being an assistant has less visibility, but it allows me to work closely with someone I trust completely.”_
According to Santos, that mutual understanding helps create balance within the staff. _“We’re aligned on everything. From training methods to match preparation,”_ he explained. _“That’s what keeps the project moving forward.”_
#### **A journey built on merit**
Santos highlighted how Silva’s path makes his achievements even more impressive. _“He didn’t have the profile of a famous player, so he had to prove himself,”_ he said. _“He built his career step by step, with hard work and persistence.”_
The Fulham assistant is confident that Silva’s success will continue. _“He deserves to coach a Big Six club,”_ he concluded. _“And I’m certain he’ll get there. He’s earned every bit of what he’s achieved.”_