By Geoff Pruce

Marco Silva has the rare conundrum of not being entirely sure who he’ll be sharing a dugout with on Sunday afternoon.

Southampton relieved Russell Martin of his duties last week, with Under-21s coach Simon Rusk taking charge of their midweek defeat by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

The interim head coach is likely to remain in situ for the weekend, but some media reports on Friday suggest the Saints are on the cusp of making their new managerial appointment.

Marco Silva issues some instructions to Issa Diop

And so when asked how that affects Fulham’s preparations for the match, Silva replied: “Yes, it’s a very good question. Of course, throughout this week, we're looking at what is going to be the news.

“We are waiting [to see] if it’s going to be Simon or not in charge of the team, like against Liverpool on Wednesday, [or] if they are going to have time to sign a new manager, and for the new manager to be in charge, as well.

“But they are things that you cannot control, and if you cannot control, let's not lose focus or time on it, let's focus on ourselves. Of course, we are going to know soon who is going to be the manager that is going to be on the touchline.

Marco Silva at Anfield

“And we have an idea what is going to be the approach of Southampton against us, or at least try to understand what is going to be the approach, because they can change the approach, if it’s Simon or the new manager.

“That is the thing for us – if you cannot control, let's focus on ourselves, let’s prepare our players really well, let's have a plan for the game. If you are going to have certain types of approach, let's be prepared for each one that comes.

“And, after, we have to go in the direction that we have been playing in, believing in ourselves, and being capable to adapt for some things that can happen during the game, or even in the beginning of the game, that we don't expect.”