Fulham centre-back Alain Goma has demanded his team-mates hype themselves
up for the showdown at Leeds on Saturday - a match in which something
simply has to give.
Jean Tigana's relegation-threatened side are desperate for a first victory
in 10 league games, which would extend the gap to third-bottom Ipswich
- who play leaders Arsenal on Sunday - to a potentially-decisive seven
points.
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Fulham centre-back Alain Goma has demanded
his team-mates hype themselves up forLeeds |
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Fulham were dumped out of the FA Cup by west London rivals Chelsea at Villa
Park on Sunday, a result former French international Goma admits has knocked
the stuffing out of Tigana's team.
"The overriding feeling we had after the match was one of disappointment,"
the 29-year-old said.
"We were very close to getting to the final, the game which could have
got us into Europe, saved our season and left everyone on a high. "It's
really a shame and we all feel that. It's been a subdued week and not an
easy one, so now it's up to the players to lift themselves, regardless of
what the management are doing. "We're not in a very good position in
the league, so it's important we concentrate properly. We have to make sure
we get our focus exactly right, so that we do well tomorrow.
"What is important is that we must keep going the same way we have
been. We did well at Newcastle (drawing 1-1) and against Chelsea, even though
we didn't win. "Now we must take tomorrow's game very seriously and
keep playing with the same spirit."
He said: "My own performances haven't been as consistent as I would
have liked - but considering the amount of games I've played, they haven't
been too bad.
"Still, I'm happy because I haven't suffered any major injuries
this year. That's important to me, because in the last few seasons I have
been injured and not able to play many games."
Former Newcastle defender Goma believes Fulham can take heart from their
0-0 draw with O'Leary's team at Craven Cottage in December.
"We did well against Leeds earlier in the season - and that will
give us confidence, although perhaps they weren't at their best then,"
he said.
"We know they're a good side and it'll be another difficult game. But
they've got some injuries at the back, so perhaps that will be an opportunity
for us to score goals."