Cup exit angers Coleman
21 Sep 2006 - 09:32:29
Fulham boss Chris Coleman was furious with his players after seeing them crash out of the Carling Cup against Wycombe Wanderers on Wednesday.
First-half goals from Jermaine Easter and Tommy Mooney put the Chairboys in control at Craven Cottage, before the League Two side withstood heavy pressure and the setback of conceding a Heidar Helguson goal to hang on for a 2-1 win.
Afterwards, Coleman was bombarded with questions about his decision to field a below strength side for the match, but he insisted it was the players' performance and not his selection that cost Fulham the game.
"The team we put out on the pitch had seven internationals. We're not happy at going out and we don't want to lose any game," he said.
"We've rested a lot of players because we had to, but the team we put on the pitch was good enough to win the game. We didn't because of our first-half performance."
The Cottagers now have to try and bounce back against Premiership champions Chelsea on Saturday, but Coleman warned fans that the team for the local derby might not look too much stronger.
He added: "Before we start thinking about a team for Chelsea we have to see what bodies are available.
"We're missing a lot of key players and it's going to be a battle for us. If we were running out with our strongest side it would be hard enough.
"But with four or five key players out you know you'll be up against it. Papa Bouba Diop has a 70-30 chance of making it."