I DIDN’T WANT TO FUL MY PLAYERS
Blunt Parker outlines the relegation reality facing Cottagers
SCOTT PARKER insists that he was right to warn his Fulham side they face a relegation scrap – to prepare them for the highs and lows of the battle ahead.
The Cottagers host West Brom tonight with just one point on the board this season.
But boss Parker says there has been no problem keeping up spirits at the newly-promoted club. He said: “Reality tells me it is going to be difficult. I know where we are punching, in and around the bottom four, bottom five or six.
“I want the team to understand the battle and the peaks and troughs on the way. Stay positive and focused through it. That is the best way to come out with points.
“Does that lack conviction of wanting to be better? No, I don’t think it does. It’s the opposite. I want to win more than anyone. I want us to be more successful than anyone.” Fulham are second bottom of the league and have struggled to find consistent creativity.
Parker added: “At this moment in time spirits, the environment, the culture around the place is spot on. Would that be different in another 10 games? Maybe that is the case, but at this moment, no.
“It is a constant drive from myself. I set the picture out at the start of this season with the team in meetings. Constant messages: This is what our season will look like. Understand what it will be like.
“We know what we are and what we are about. I did that in case anyone’s mindset is different. I am not saying with good results we can’t end up 12th. Of course we can.”
Parker wants his midfield to take more risks to back up his attacking force of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ademola Lookman after they failed to spark last time out in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.
He said: “I felt we were safe and needed to risk the ball more against Palace. They came with a block. You can play in front of them all day. Unless you probe and risk the ball it will be a difficult afternoon.
“Mitro and Lookman in terms of attacking players were the threat. The deeper players need to chip in and take a bit more of a risk.”