Ryan Sessegnon: Entire Fulham squad want Scott Parker to be permanent manager

EXCLUSIVE
Sign him up: Ryan Sessegnon wants Scott Parker in charge full-time
Action Images via Reuters
Vaishali Bhardwaj1 April 2019

Ryan Sessegnon says every Fulham player wants Scott Parker to become the club’s next permanent manager.

Fulham’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday was the club’s fourth straight loss since Parker was appointed on an interim basis, though three of those were against sides in the top six.

While Parker - who ended his playing career with a four-year stint at Craven Cottage - has overseen an improvement in performances, he has also gained the backing of the fans after Claudio Ranieri's disaster tenure.

"He's changed the mentality [of the squad] in terms of defending the goal and catching teams on the break especially the top six teams. He's really engaged with the fans as well, staying together and not giving up," Sessegnon told Standard Sport.

"You can see all the fans, the way we play together [now] especially against those three sides [City, Liverpool and Chelsea]. We've been decent and had more than enough chances to at least get something from the games. You can see we're coming together."

When asked if he wants Parker to land the permanent managerial job at Fulham, Sessegnon replied: "Yes, of course. I think everyone does, really. He's come in and changed the way we play, you can see again [his impact] around the stadium. It would be good for the club."

Sessegnon has personally benefited from Parker’s elevation from first-team coach to manager, starting three of Fulham’s last four games after having been relegated to a substitute role by Ranieri.

"It's good for me, "he continued. "Scott has put an arm around me and said 'be fearless and go out and play your game.' When coaches say that, it's the best feeling."

Fulham’s next game is a trip to Vicarage Road on Tuesday night where defeat to Watford would confirm relegation.

Sessegnon still believes Fulham can avoid the drop but urged his team-mates to avoid making the type of individual mistakes which cost the team against City.

"With Scott, he was unlucky to come in at a time where you play against three top sides so you can't really judge us on those but, on Tuesday, it'll be a test where we have to show ourselves," Sessegnon said.

"We need to keep doing the things we've been doing well especially against the top six teams. A little message I'd say is to start better. We've started first halves too slow and we've been punished. That'll be a message for Tuesday.

"Of course, we are going to keep going. We still believe until it's mathematically impossible. We're going to keep fighting. That's the message Scott has come in and said - play with no fear and keep trying to do the right things."

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