Coleman: We Were Tired

Last updated : 02 December 2006 By Sam
"I think we were tired. Against Reading last week we played with ten men and we played virtually the same team against Arsenal on Wednesday night. So it's been taxing on us," the Fulham boss said after the 2-0 defeat at Ewood Park.

"We were slow and sluggish in the first half. We didn't defend how we should have defended, but the second goal is offside.

"But all credit to Blackburn - they played better in the first half. Brad Friedel's pulled off a fantastic save and with five or ten minutes to go, anything can happen.

"Antti Niemi's had a slight operation to cure a cartilage problem and will be out for three to four weeks, and I've had to bring Luis Boa Morte off with a hamstring problem. And that's been the story of our season - stop start.

"We're doing well in the league and we've just come off the back of a great performance against Arsenal, so I don't know why more fans didn't turn up.

"It was slightly disappointing, but it's a cold afternoon, a long trip up to Blackburn and it's not cheap to follow football."