Scott Parker admits Fulham are riddled with "self-doubt" but insists Leeds United provide the perfect opponent

Fulham boss Scott Parker says his side are low on confidence following a dip in form
Fulham head coach Scott Parker. (Getty)Fulham head coach Scott Parker. (Getty)
Fulham head coach Scott Parker. (Getty)

Fulham head coach Scott Parker has admitted he has seen "self-doubt" in his players following a run of three Championship defeats in a row.

Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United outfit make the trip to Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon in league action unbeaten in 11 outings.

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The Cottagers, though, have seen their confidence hit after a dip in form which has seen them drop to sixth in the table having failed to pick up a single point in December so far.

Parker's side now sit 12 points behind the Whites - who hold the final automatic promotion spot - and the 39-year-old has made an honest admission over his squad's mental state ahead of the clash.

"Confidence has been hit a little bit," Parker admitted.

"I do see a bit of self-doubt in the players. Ultimately it is my job and my staff's job to try and get that back.

"If you lose three on the bounce of course you have concerns because a club like us, and what we want to do, you can't afford to lose matches.

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"I realise in this division you can lose games and go on these runs but ultimately we are trying to do everything we can to put that mini-blip behind us and try and win some games.

"When you are dealing in a league as volatile and competitive as this one, there are going to be blips."

He also revealed his belief that United are one of the best the Championship has to offer this term: "There is no denying that West Brom and Leeds are the best two teams in this division.

"They have been the most consistent quality-wise, and squad-wise they are good and mature. We need to try and get a bit of consistency, and if we put some together there is a slight chance. It is a tough one and let's see what happens."

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Parker, though, despite recognising the quality United have to offer believes there is no better team for his side to bounce back against in the capital.

“I don’t think there could be a better game for us,” he said. “A big team with vast quality who will bring a lot of challenges to us.

“It’s a game where we need to turn up. After Brentford at the weekend, I’m looking at it and thinking what’s the team we want to play next, and I want to play Leeds. You want to play a top team, and I’m looking forward to it.

“There’s a massive challenge ahead of us. Leeds are sitting second in the league, they’re a good side, and we need to be right at it at the weekend to get anything out of the game.

“We need to improve from where we have been over the last couple of games, for sure, otherwise it will be the same outcome.”