Speculation 'flattering' but Hodgson is content at Fulham

Hodgson's achievement in taking Fulham to the final of the Europa League, where they will face Atletico Madrid later this month, has been the catalyst for speculation that he could replace Rafael Benitez on Merseyside should he move on – possibly to Juventus.

But the Fulham boss insists that, while it is flattering to be linked with such clubs, he is happy at Craven Cottage.

"I have got a contract here at Fulham. I am happy with the job I am doing," he said.

"My name is sufficiently strong at the moment to be linked with other jobs and, of course, that is flattering and it is nice to hear.

"But as far as I am concerned it is speculation because I am at Fulham.

"We all prefer praise to criticism and love to hatred. It would be ludicrous to suggest I am not enjoying people saying and writing nice things about me and the team. But I am trying to keep a level head and keep things in perspective."

Clint Dempsey put Fulham ahead and an own goal from West Ham striker Carlton Cole gave them a two-goal cushion early in the second half.

Cole redeemed himself when he reduced the arrears only for Fulham substitute Stefano Okaka to make it 3-1 in the 79th minute. Guillermo Franco then scored in stoppage time to make it 3-2.

Hodgson managed to rest a number of players after their scintillating 2-1 Europa League semi-final win over Hamburg and he was pleased their replacements carried on the good work against the Hammers.

West Ham have won just once on their travels this season and coach Gianfranco Zola was disappointed with another reverse. The Hammers are effectively safe from relegation by virtue of their superior goal difference to Hull and Zola had hoped for a change in fortunes away from home.

"I thought in the first half we were the better team," said Zola.

"But then they scored the first goal. In the first 15 minutes after half-time they scored a second and after that we played better.

"But it was not enough and I am disappointed because this season away from home, we have not been very good.

"I don't want to look for excuses. We have not been good enough away and I am the first to take responsibility for that."