Fulham captain Luis Boa Morte has firmly denied there is a split in the Craven Cottage dressing room, insisting the whole squad are right behind manager Chris Coleman.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash against rivals Chelsea, the 28-year-old admits the onus is on senior players at the club to put an end to the run of four consecutive defeats.
“All the team is together and everyone is with the manager,” said Boa Morte. “There is a very good spirit in the dressing room, there isn’t any rift at all.
“It’s normal when we lose to speak about it at the end of the match. It has to happen because we like to get things right.
“We didn’t put in good performances against Arsenal and Everton and, of course, no-one was happy and we had to talk about things.
“No-one was having a go personally but we were talking for the benefit of the team, about where we make mistakes and the errors. It has to happen.”
Responding to speculation Coleman’s job could be in jeopardy if the downward spiral continues, the Portugal international added: “We have seen things in the papers but we think it’s unfair because he’s one of the youngest managers in the Premiership but with good experience and good methods of training.”
Coleman has called on his skipper and experienced Frenchman Steed Malbranque to increase their efforts, and Boa Morte accepted: “Of course we feel responsibility. Me and Steed are just trying to get everyone to follow us and it’s up to us to set the example.
“I have to be honest, In the two matches against Arsenal and Everton me and Steed didn’t have the best of games and that’s why he’s the manager. He was right. When we have a better performance we can help the team.”
Three victories from the last eight matches of the campaign should ensure Fulham’s safety but the captain is looking for more.
“The spirit is 24 points to fight for – all of them,” he added, with the visit of Jose Mourinho’s star-studded side next on the schedule.
“They are not unbeatable. We don’t have a good record but we can play against them. We should never be scared to play against any team.”
