Fulham’s French contingent are loving life under new manager Chris Coleman, according to Louis Saha and Jerome Bonnisel.
Plenty of the Fulham faithful were worried that there could be an exodus of the club’s French players following the departure of Jean Tigana towards the end of last season. But, according to the French legion themselves, they are now even closer to Tigana’s replacement, former club captain Chris Coleman.
Saha, who has been in irresistible form up front this term, told L’Equipe: “Last year, there were lots of problems at the club which disturbed the team and and life within the squad. The finger of blame was pointed at us, the Tigana boys. We were not a very close squad. As soon as Chris took over, the squad had a soul again. Everybody agrees with the coach’s speech. The biggest difference with Tigana is feeling. Coleman listens to us players. He’s like another team-mate, only he’s on the bench.”
Left back Bonnissel credited Coleman for Fulham’s fabulous 3-1 win at Manchester United last weekend.
“We took enormous pleasure at Old Trafford. Coleman is a young manager who knows all the tricks.”
Utility man Martin Djetou also agreed that the atmosphere at the club has been transformed since Coleman took charge.
“The atmosphere is much healthier this season. The English press promised us hell and relegation at the start of the season. It also helped make us progress. It was a motivation.”
