Coleman Praises Want-Away United Target Saha
By Chris O'Brien
January 10 2004
Chris Coleman has praised Fulham's French striker Louis Saha for his performance against Everton. However, the Welsh Cottagers manager remains adamant that his want-away prize asset is staying at Loftus Road, and will not be allowed into talks with Mancester United.
| Coleman Praises Want-Away United Target Saha |
| Chris Coleman has praised want-away
striker Louis Saha for his performance in Fulham's 2-1 Premiership victory
over Everton. The French striker has publicly fallen out with Cottages boss Coleman, and big-money chairman Mohammad Al Fayed after they both refused to allow the striker to talk to Manchester United over a proposed move to Old Trafford. Saha's has been in fantastic form all season, with his goal scoring tally the main reason behind Fulham's surprise success so far this season, but the argument over what Saha described as a dream move by the forward looked likely to disrupt his football at the London outfit. However, Saha churned out an inspired performance at Loftus Road, and netted the opening goal for the hosts from the penalty spot, as Fulham secured another vital three points as their charge for European qualification gains momentum. "For Louis Saha to put in a performance like that, considering what's going on and what's been said in the newspapers, is a testament to Louis's professionalism and the way he approaches his football," said Coleman. "He's a team player and he showed that today." Despite his words of praise, Coleman refused to budge on letting Saha go, remaining adamant that his clubs prize asset was staying put throughout the transfer window. Saha's goal today was his 15th of the season and helped keep Fulham in sixth place in the Premiership, perhaps testament to just how important he is to Fulham's cause. "I'm keeping Louis here. Louis's got the chance to go to one of the best clubs in the world and we understand that, but it's my choice and I've said 'no'." said the former Welsh international "He's too important to us and a terrific guy. I sympathise with him wanting to go on but the time is not right for us." |