A bullish Scott Parker, Fulham Head Coach, took to the media after edging an eight-goal thriller at the Cottage.
It was far from comfortable at times for his side, who ran out 5-3 winners over Sheffield Wednesday, which sets up a grand-stand final day in Wigan.
Today was all about keeping hot on the heels of those fighting for a place in the Premier League.
“Results wise, it was key for us today, we understood that, we knew what was at stake.” He said. “There’s two scenarios and we saw the West Brom and the Brentford results and we needed to keep our hopes alive.
“There’s been some upsets along the way for everyone. My team had pressure on them today, but we’ve had pressure on us throughout the year.
“There are different pressures that have been asserted, coming from me and from the outside. That’s 23 wins for us in this division, we take this into the last game. We go to play an in-form Wigan team and we’ll look to get another result and see where we end up. If it doesn’t take us to where we want to be, we’ll try and finish it off later.”
Parker was delighted with the first 45 minutes he witnessed, but less so with the manner in which three second half goals were surrendered.
“For 45 minutes I thought we looked like a top team.” He continued. “Everything we had discussed was excellent. Some elements were perfect. Second half they knocked balls into us, and I was a bit disappointed that we conceded the goals we conceded. Having said that, five goals is the most important thing and the three points keeping the pressure on.”
A player that has struggled for consistency and a place in the team is Neeskens Kebano. The winger put in a match winning performance today that the Gaffer saluted.
“It was brilliant for Neeskens [Kebano] with Ivan Cavaleiro out injured. People have had to stand up. We had three positive COVID tests at the start of lockdown and Mitro suspended for three games, we’ve had to fix things. Neeskens was a prime example of that today. He deserved that; he was very good.”
The pressure will be off Fulham heading into the final game – knowing the ball isn’t in their court. But Parker credited his team who have slugged away to stay in touch.
"We had two negative results coming out of lockdown in Leeds and Brentford, but since then my team have been very good at grinding out results.”
“There are times we’ve been 10-13 points adrift. We’ve had to fight and battle with pressure that comes with that and the outside voices. We’ve not got the credit we deserve at times. To take this season, and the teams above us, like Brentford and West Brom who are fantastic teams to the wire is fantastic. We’re two points off them.”
“Winning games in this division is no easy feat. Along the way we’ve managed to pull out results and I’ve seen another side of us. Momentum is with us and this league throws up surprises. The other teams have had negative results, but it remains out of our hands.
“Our focus has been to worry about ourselves. If the season ends on Wednesday. Amazing. If not, we’ll be ready for another three games.”
Aleksandar Mitrovic has taken the Captain’s armband in Tom Cairney’s absence and Scott was quizzed on the leadership qualities the big man has shown.
“There’s one thing I bang on about with him, he needs to show more of that.” He exclaimed. “He has ability, he’s been our focal point. There’s one thing I try to drum home with him: he needs to show his leadership qualities and show how important he is. He has done that massively. He’s still only young.
“He [Mitro] is still growing and learning. He’s accepting that responsibility and the pressure that’s heaped on centre forwards. That’s a big pressure and his performance was fantastic. He works hard for the team and I know the goals will come.”