Konchesky Eager For Fulham Test

The 32-year-old spent an eventful three years with the London side between 2007 and 2010. During that time, under the guidance of current England manager Roy Hodgson, he helped his side pull off a miraculous Premier League survival in his first season, followed by a memorable Europa League campaign in 2010.

Under Hodgson, Fulham reached the final that year, knocking out the likes of Juventus and Hamburg along the way - losing only to an extra-time strike from the talented Uruguayan Diego Forlan against Atletico Madrid in the final.

Those are special memories for Konchesky, but with City looking to maintain their growing momentum by upsetting the odds against their Premier League opponents, the defender is eager to play his part.

“We need to keep winning games, but also stick together," said Konchesky. "That's as a team, as a staff, as a club and the fans. If we all stick together then I think we’ve got a great chance.

“I’ve got some good memories at Fulham, and a bad one in the first season with the relegation fight, but after that it was very good for us with getting to the Europa League Final and the experience along the way.

“To be part of that team that got to the final, although we got beaten, was great. I’ve got great memories there, it’s a great football club and it’ll be a good test for us on Tuesday.

“[I still keep an eye on their results] a little bit. I watched them on television the other night – there are a lot of people who have changed there now, but it will still be good to see a few faces.

“The teams and players that we played against in that Europa League run will live with me forever. I remember one game we lost to Juventus 3-1 in Turin, and then beat them at home 4-3 which sent us to the semi-final.

“When you do something like that, you believe you can go on to the final, which we did. It was disappointing to lose, but an honour to be involved.”

The former Charlton, West Ham and Liverpool man is now eager to pass on his experiences to the next generation of City stars currently coming through the ranks.

Academy Graduates Liam Moore and Jeff Schlupp have both been features in City’s back line in recent times, and Konchesky is happy to do anything he can to help with their development.

He added: “I play with Liam Moore and I see him every day, so I can see that he’s progressing all the time. He’s a good, strong lad and he’s got a great future ahead of him if he keeps his head down and keeps working hard.

“Obviously with Jeff Schlupp, everyone knows he is a forward come winger, and he got thrown in at the deep end a little bit at left back.

“I felt that it was only right for me to go to him, talk to him and help him as much as I can, and if he takes anything from me then great. Everyone knows how attack-minded Jeff is. He’s a great lad and he’s got a great future in front of him as well.

“We know each other really well, we talk a lot and with Kasper as well as a back five, we’re a tight unit. We all get on well and I think that shows in games as well.

“I maybe feel it (responsibility) a bit more this season because we’ve got a few young players in the team and we’re trying our best to stick together. Hopefully me, Wes [Morgan] and Kasper [Schmeichel] can try to keep that unit together, and I think at the minute we’re showing that on the pitch.”

Read the full interview with Paul Koncheksy in tonight’s Fulham edition of City’s award-winning Matchday Magazine, priced at just £3 in and around King Power Stadium, and keep your eye on our channel for an exclusive preview.