Fulham caretaker manager Scott Parker was proud of his side in his first game in charge as Caretaker Manager but feels an opportunity for points has slipped by.
“In the first-half we probably didn’t stamp our authority on the game in terms of retaining possession,” said Parker.
“The second-half was amazing, it’s just not about the passion, effort and desire as in football that only gets you so far, but it’s a foundation that every top team has.
“I know how good these players are and in the second-half we showed that.
I said at half-time that we weren’t brave enough on the ball and in the second 45 minutes we showed more desire and determination.
“I may be speaking with my heart, but I believe 2-2 would have been a much fairer result, we’ve had a disallowed goal and their ‘keeper has pulled off some amazing saves.
“It looks like the right call with the Sessegnon chance at the very end, it looks minimal.
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There was plenty of passion on show for the Fulham faithful at Craven Cottage and Parker wants to see more of the same moving forward.
He said: “I shouldn’t expect anything less, the challenge for me now is that needs to stay and how is this going to happen, making sure that it’s a given every single week.
“With that team that you’ve seen today we need to keep it like that, the lads were really fantastic.
“I was a player here for four years and I came back as a coach, there was a brand and an identity to Fulham which everyone understands.
“A team who plays passing football, a real family club, a lovely football club.
These are things you associate with Fulham.
“It was a big focus for us this week, we wanted to bring the fans close to us again and I feel like we’ve done that today with a small minor step.
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For Parker today was a landmark day not only for the football club but for himself personally as it was the first time he has taken charge of a senior team and it is a chance he is relishing.
“It felt amazing, it’s been a six or seven-year process after starting my coaching badges such a long time ago.
“When you set out on them, the main aim is eventually sitting in a dugout managing a team.
“Of course I have an idea of how I want the club to be in the future, whether I’m here in 10 games time or not I will still be making the same comments on how to put this club in a better place,” said Parker.
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