Hodgson's pledge softens cup defeat

Roy Hodgson shrugged off the shattering disappointment of the Europa League final defeat to reassure Fulham fans he will still be in charge next season.

At the final whistle, thoughts immediately turned to Hodgson's future because, after an outstanding season, the former Switzerland coach is apparently attracting interest from Liverpool, where Rafael Benitez is on uncertain ground.

Losing Hodgson would be a major blow for Fulham, who have prospered so much under his guidance over the past three seasons.

However, while he did not entirely close the door on a summer exit, it seems he has no plans to move on.

"I have never given my future a moment's thought," Hodgson said.

"I have been committed all the time I have been with the club. I still have a contract and, as far as I know, this is where I shall be next season."

Hodgson can take plenty of credit for Fulham's Europa League run, even though it was ended by Diego Forlan's second goal of the night when he turned home Sergio Aguero's cross.

"I couldn't in my wildest dreams imagine we would get here when we started," Hodgson admitted.

"But unfortunately that doesn't help. Having been here and acquitted ourselves so well, you feel we could have taken a further step.

"It doesn't matter how much comfort I try to find, it is difficult to find joy or enthusiasm because a great performance has gone unrewarded."

It all might have been so different from Fulham if star striker Bobby Zamora had been fully fit.

Unfortunately, the Achilles injury which prevented him accepting a World Cup call-up from Fabio Capello was clearly affecting him, and he was replaced by Clint Dempsey early in the second half.

Zamora did have a hand in Fulham's equaliser as he muscled his way into the box and created the space for Zoltan Gera to cross for Simon Davies's smart finish.

But he did not have any chances himself and Fulham could not exert enough pressure to break Atletico's defences a second time.

"I thought the game was heading for penalties," said Hodgson.

"I know they are a lottery but we fancied our chances.

"Then Forlan popped up with a second and we had no time to recover.

"Everyone wants to finish first but at this level of achievement, after 63 games, second is something we can be very proud of as well."

Amazingly, for all the money spent by Barcelona and Real Madrid, Atletico are the only Spanish team to win a European trophy this season.