Striker Brian McBride has insisted Fulham’s players are united in their support of boss Chris Coleman despite their exit from the Carling Cup – their fourth consecutive defeat.
Coleman’s side were booed off the pitch following last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Blackburn, with Harry Redknapp then linked with the Welshman’s job in one report.
However, even though Fulham were beaten by a late Frank Lampard strike at Craven Cottage last night, they emerged with far more credit after a battling performance.
And despite Coleman having publicly attacked his players’ commitment after their display against Blackburn, McBride insisted that he had not lost any support in the dressing-room.
He declared: “I don’t even understand [speculation about Coleman’s future], he is a very good manager. He works very well with assistant Steve Kean and everybody is up for playing for him.”
McBride, whose second-half equaliser had given Fulham renewed hope against Chelsea, added: “It was a great effort by the team.
“Our energy was good and the movement off the ball was really good. If we missed a tackle, there was someone there getting a tackle in, and the composure on the ball was a lot better.”
Coleman was certainly impressed with McBride’s display against Chelsea, noting that he had changed tactics to ensure the striker could start the game.
He has nevertheless challenged his players to show the same commitment and energy in Saturday’s game at Norwich, who could even overtake them with a victory at Carrow Road.
The Fulham boss insisted: “We can take heart from this performance but we have to take it into the game at Norwich, which is now a monster game for us.
“We have to show the same enthusiasm and commitment. We’ve been notorious this season for playing well one week and then poorly the next.”
