Fulham Manager Chris Coleman has called on the fans to play their part as he fights to maintain the Club’s strong start to the season.
“It’s great when we’re ahead in a game and everybody’s chuffed and making a noise, and we really, genuinely appreciate that. But it’s when we’re a goal down, or it’s 0-0 and we’re trying to break the deadlock, that’s when we need the fans to really get behind us and give us a lift,” said Coleman.
Citing Fulham’s nail-biting home draw with Manchester City as an example, Cookie was full of praise for the fans’ backing once the team had taken the lead.
“There were times against Man City when it went deathly quiet when we were behind, and yet that is when we need the fans the most,” said Coleman. “
Coleman emphasized the difference that the fans can make and that the “12th Man” theory really is true, especially for fighting sides such as Fulham.
“Until you’ve been out there and experienced it first hand you’ll never really understand just what a difference it makes to you as a player when the crowd are really behind you. We’ve got to fight for every point we can get this season, and it’s this approach that’s got us 11 points from six games already.
“As the fans have seen this season the lads will give everything they’ve got when we’ve got a fight on our hands. But we need the fans to do their bit for us too. Their support for the lads and me has been tremendous, both at home and away since I took over, but we’re all in this together and in the same way as I ask the players to give their all I need the fans to as well – and that means being as vocal as possible when we’re behind, or fighting to take the lead – not just when we’re winning, because that’s when they can make all the difference.”
