Manager Chris Coleman admits he is feeling the pressure after Fulham’s away slump but has denied speculation that he could be set to lose his job.
The Cottagers are eight points clear of relegation but, with third-from-bottom Birmingham having two games in hand on their rivals, they could yet become embroiled in the end-of-season scrap.
Coleman’s charges are without an away win to their name all season, garnering just three points from 16 matches in the process, and left Liverpool on Wednesday with their tail between their legs following a 5-1 defeat.
Any hopes of a quick remedy are unlikely with champions Chelsea the visitors to Craven Cottage on Sunday and defeat could see the hosts slip closer to danger.
Media reports have suggested that Coleman is now on borrowed time with chairman Mohamed Al Fayed becoming increasingly frustrated by his side’s predicament – a scenario, though, the Welshman has been quick to dismiss.
“Not once has my chairman said to me I have a couple of matches to get it right,” Coleman told the Daily Star. “He likes to please people and he wants to please the Fulham fans. We play good, attacking football and I have lost count of the chances we have missed or the late goals conceded.
We have gained a lot of friends this season although that doesn’t keep you in the Premiership. For those who know, a good season for Fulham would be around 12th or 13th. The top 10 would be unbelievable. The chairman is realistic and so am I.”
The Welshman admits the slide has taken its toll on him personally but believes the experience will stand him in good stead as he builds on a promising first two seasons in charge of the West Londoners.
“People who know me well say I have changed,” added Coleman. “I suppose I had to. When I started three years ago I was fresh out of the changing room, I was still the captain. A million miles from the manager I am today.
“I could go through injuries and bad luck but the bottom line is that away from home we have not played well enough. People who don’t know anything about Fulham are pointing the finger and saying I could be under pressure. It doesn’t worry me. I know I’m a better manager than when I started regardless of results.”
