Clint Dempsey Praises Fulham's Change In Fortunes

The United States hero is preparing for European football next season.

Jun 25, 2009 8:26:03 AM

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Clint Dempsey, United States-Spain (PA)

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey is relishing the prospect of playing European football next season - rather than being involved in a relegation battle.

The Cottagers finished seventh in the Premier League last season, securing a qualifying place in the Europa League.

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Dempsey was a key figure in the first team during the entire 2008/09 campaign and top scored in the league with seven goals.

He attributes the change in fortunes at the club to the strength of the coaching set-up.

“I’ve been here two and a half years and we’ve avoided relegation twice so now to be in Europe is a total change – but it’s a good change,” Dempsey told the Cottagers' official website.

“I would say that it was down to us being more compact as a team and being tougher to break down defensively. Everybody was on the same page, well drilled, and we knew what to expect from the person next to us.

“It’s the whole coaching staff collectively getting everyone on the same page. Going over game tapes, discussing what to do in certain situations and having a better understanding of what’s going on.

"I really have to give credit to the whole coaching staff, we all fused together well and it was a great season.”

Dempsey, nicknamed 'Deuce', is currently on international duty with the United States at the Confederations Cup.

He was one of the goalscorers in last night's monumental 2-0 semi-final victory over Spain.

The United States will now face either Brazil or host nation South Africa in the final.

Jamie Dunn, Goal.com

For all the news on American players playing in Europe visit Goal.com's Americans Abroad page.

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