Bristol City lost 2-0 away at Premier League Fulham in the Carabao Cup second round after conceding two early goals

Daniel Hargraves Bristol Rovers reporter

22:39, 27 Aug 2025Updated 22:40, 27 Aug 2025

Bristol City head coach Gerhard Struber claps the travelling fans at Fulham(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Gerhard Struber has admitted that his Bristol City side required more bravery and showed Premier League outfit Fulham too much respect in the first half of their Carabao Cup defeat as the Robins shipped two early goals in a 2-0 loss at Craven Cottage.

A George Tanner own goal was followed by a clinical finish from Raul Jimenez as City found themselves having a mountain to climb after just 21 minutes.

They then saw plenty of the ball for the remainder of the game but lacked the final bit of quality to the necessary goal.

READ MORE: Fulham 2-0 Bristol City live: Reaction as spirited Robins bow out of the Carabao Cup

“Of course I think we expect a different result in the end but we realised very quickly that the two goals we conceded changed the boys’ mindset a little bit,” Struber reflected post-match to Bristol Live. “I think after the goals, the respect went on a different level that was not necessary.

“We changed a little bit in the second half with the shape and we had a little bit of distances for pressing, but also the boys showed me a healthy respect. We could see how the game went in a different way and how good we can play together when we are on the same page and are brave.

“With the two goals we conceded, we missed the bravery and freedom against a team where we have not so much to lose. I think the goals changed the mindset and that made the difference in the first half.

“In the end, we could see how high the level is in the Premier League and Fulham, especially how they play. How they organise. How they play in possession. It’s a really good team in the Premier League.

“I think, of course, games like that always give us a feedback,” the Austrian continued. “How ready we are against the opponent on this level and I could see in the second half that we had enough trust in ourselves and the belief that my boys can play on a good level and can do something special. In a game like that, you need bravery. The first half, we conceded very cheap goals and then we believed a little bit.

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“Of course, we have to learn in this direction. We have to play very brave, not only in the League Cup or FA Cup, but of course in our Championship season [as well] with bravery and a big conviction in our principles.”

As well as the early goals, City were also dealt a major blow when midfielder Josh Stokes was forced off injured after just 14 minutes.

On his first start of the season, the 21-year-old would have been looking to make an impression after a loan spell at Cambridge United in League One last season. However, he went down off the ball and the initial thoughts are that it doesn’t look good.

“It looks at the moment not good,” Struber explained. “We will get a clear diagnosis tomorrow morning. We will inform you in this way, but right now it doesn’t look good. His reaction and what he told me, maybe this could be a long injury. We will see.”

READ MORE: Bristol City player ratings vs Fulham: Poor start costs Robins in Carabao Cup defeat