Thursday 14 January 2021 01:16, UK
Roy Hodgson says reaching the Europa League final with Fulham in 2010 is one of his best managerial achievements.
The current Crystal Palace boss was in charge of Fulham from 2007-10 and led them to arguably the greatest moment in the club's history during the 2009-10 season.
Fulham's journey in the Europa League included a memorable knock-out win against Italian giants Juventus, as well as victories over Shakhtar Donetsk, Wolfsburg and Hamburg.
Their fairy tale ended with a narrow defeat to Atletico Madrid after extra time in the final, but Hodgson insists it was still one of his finest moments as a manager.
"It was a very good time," he said. "So many of the players we came across in that run have become household names. We didn't quite get the trophy, but to come so close to winning it, I will always look back on it as a great achievement.
"Sometimes you do have your best moments, but you have to be lucky for it to lead to a trophy. Almost winning the cup at Fulham was one of those."
Fulham's success in Europe was an indication of a significant turnaround under Hodgson. The club were fighting relegation when he took over in December 2007, but the former England manager kept them in the Premier League before guiding them to seventh place the following campaign.
Despite leaving Craven Cottage almost nine years ago, Hodgson took the time to reflect on his achievements at his former employers.
"Fulham gave me the opportunity to come back into the Premier League and I was happy to take that opportunity," he added.
"Although they were struggling and heading in the wrong direction, we luckily changed that around and stayed in the league.
"The next two seasons went really well, finishing seventh, which was a fine achievement for a club that had not spent much money, and then we had that season in Europe."
Fulham head to Selhurst Park on Saturday knowing they could close the gap on Hodgson's Palace to three points with a win. Current Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri is a familiar face to Hodgson, having known the Italian since the mid-90s when both men were managing in Serie A.
"We have both worked abroad. He was one of my biggest rivals at Inter, when he was at Fiorentina," Hodgson said.
"We go back quite a long way, without becoming close friends, but perhaps close acquaintances. He was very helpful to me when I went to Serie A. There isn't a great deal of contact with the other coaches in Italy, but he went out of his way to extend a welcoming hand.
"He is a good manager with a good knowledge of football and brings out the best in players. His CV shows that without a shadow of doubt."
