Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz is going through a very different season compared to his previous two campaigns, with just one goal in 19 appearances across all competitions.
After signing a new contract and becoming a key attacking figure at Craven Cottage in the past couple of seasons, expectations were higher this time around. However, injuries and a lack of rhythm have disrupted his momentum, forcing the Brazilian to rebuild his form step by step.
Those struggles formed the backdrop to a recent interview to ESPN Brazil, conducted right before Fulham’s trip to Anfield last Saturday. Muniz would go on to start that match, leading the line before being substituted late on, as Fulham were beaten 2-0 away from home.
Injury struggles and search for rhythm
Rodrigo Muniz was open about the difficult period he has endured in recent months.
“The last six months were difficult. I’ve been back for a month now. I don’t feel 100% yet. In the last two weeks without games, they worked on me more, with different training, and now I feel good.”
It is a huge contrast from the 2024/25 season. Because of his top form, he was heavily linked with a move to Atalanta last summer that ended up not happenning. And he knows everyone misses his performances.
“I still hope to be the Rodrigo from last season. I think I have everything to be that player again, the one who scores goals.”
He also pointed to external factors that can influence performance levels.
“Not just Brazilians, but players from everywhere feel better when it’s warm. When it’s cold, it’s not an excuse, but it’s a bit harder.”
Studying forwards and improving his game
Rodrigo Muniz revealed he is still studying other forwards closely, especially Ollie Watkins.
“He’s a player that catches my attention. I watch videos because of his movement. He can come short and attack space. It’s what I need to do. He makes movements that confuse defenders. Because of that and the goals he’s scored, he really stands out.”
However, he also admitted his own game needs to adapt depending on the opponent.
“I think Marco Silva sets the team up very well for each week. There are games where I have to drop deeper, others where I have to push the defence back more. It depends on the match.”
Teammates, Brazil links and dressing room life
Rodrigo Muniz also spoke emotionally about former teammate Andreas Pereira.
Rodrigo Muniz also spoke emotionally about former teammate Andreas Pereira.
“He’s someone I’ll take for life, like a brother. I miss him every day. For the last three years he was here, helping me. The club misses him too because he was one of the captains and brought good things on and off the pitch.”
He also shared a lighter moment about his time in England, including watching matches from the stands while injured.
“I asked the club if I could watch, but there was no space in the boxes. They said there was a place with the fans. I said fine and went there. It was a great experience.”
He recalled hearing his own chant.
“When I arrived, the fans were already singing my song. I thought, ‘this is amazing’.”
Future ambitions and Fulham’s targets
Looking at the bigger picture, Muniz made clear that Fulham still had ambitions for the final stretch of the season.
“Marco Silva is very ambitious. In meetings, he makes it clear we can reach Europe, but we need results. We have seven finals left and must treat them like finals. We have everything to do it because we’re having a good season.”
On a personal level, his motivation is equally clear.
“Playing in Europe is a dream since I was a kid. I’ve been here a long time, from the Championship to the Premier League, and it would be very special.”
In the end, the defeat at Anfield underlined the challenge ahead for him. He is back on the pitch, but still searching for his best form.
The final weeks of the season will now be key, both for Fulham’s ambitions and for Muniz’s attempt to prove last season was not a one-off.
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