Fulham Head Coach Scott Parker was a proud gaffer at full-time after witnessing a battling performance from his Fulham side against one of the best teams in the world.
Parker praised every player out on the Cottage turf in a black and white shirt for their gutsy point gained against Liverpool.
“I’m very proud,” he started. “I think effort, commitment, passion, a desire, we showed that in abundance today. I think its fair to say that’s an ingredient we always show. But I think probably what pleased me the most tonight was the quality we showed.
“First half, I thought we showed some real quality. It was clear to see, the way we played, moved the ball, caused Liverpool who are a fantastic team, a lot of problems. On the scale of things, we could have gone in a couple of goals up in the first half.
“Overall, very proud, probably the team are a little disappointed - and myself really. It probably shows how far we’ve come in a short space of time, that we are disappointed coming off the pitch with a draw.”
Parker was quizzed on the big decisions that cost his side the three points. He admitted in real time he didn’t think Fulham should’ve been awarded a penalty for the foul on Ivan Cavaleiro, but after seeing it back changed his mind.
“In real time, I didn’t think it was a penalty,” he stated. “I didn’t think it needed to be checked, I thought a corner was a correct decision. What amazes me at that point, is that there is communication between VAR and the referee that you need to check this. He’s then gone over to the screen and I’ve just seen it in the changing room, the boy, Fabinho, he’s kicked Cavaleiro’s leg and the balls gone out of play.
“We’ll constantly be discussing this year, VAR, offsides, is this or that not correct? For me, this is one we don’t need to discuss, it’s a clear penalty. I don’t want it to detract from the performance the boys put in tonight.”
The return of fans was a huge plus for the squad today, with circa 2000 fans roaring the team on from the stands. The 40-year-old saluted their impact signalling that their impetus was felt.
“They were massive today, absolutely massive,” he declared. “Our season ended for the fans after lockdown, which was disappointing. At the end of the season, when it was the final hurdle, then Wembley, our fans were not there to experience it, which was bitterly disappointing.
“To have the fans in here tonight was incredible, I thought the atmosphere from the start, the drive, the passion they showed, they showed exactly what I speak about to the team constantly, about an intent and drive. It sounds cliché and it sounds basic, about a never say die and stay in this. They epitomised that today.
“They were behind the team second half, when it is probably easy to be a bit negative, and think: ‘this is tough here, this is Liverpool and we’re under it a little bit.’ They were a driving force for us and probably gave us that little bit extra. And when you are who you are this year, and where we are going to be; the fights we are going to have at times. They are going to be vitally important and I think they were incredible for us tonight.”