Fulham have just two wins from 13 Premier League games
Sunday 17 February 2019 20:09, UK
Claudio Ranieri admits Fulham lost their composure as Manchester United ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Goals from Paul Pogba (2) and Anthony Martial mean Ranieri's Fulham have won just two of their last 13 Premier League games, with their top-flight status in serious doubt.
The Italian was happy with the early stages of the game, but says they lost their calm after Pogba's opener, leaving an uphill task.
He told Sky Sports: "I was so happy the first 10 minutes, two great chances, but after we concede that goal, they break the lines, always asking for it behind the defensive line.
"We had to stay calm, we lost our composure, we concede the second goal on the counter-attack. In transition, that is not possible against teams like Manchester United."
Ranieri was jeered for taking off Andre Schurrle in the second half for Cyrus Christie, with cries of "you don't know what you're doing" from the home fans, but the manager defended his decision after the game.
"I changed it because I wanted to put Babel behind the two strikers and put the full-backs around their defensive line. We created some good crosses, but didn't have a good chance."
Ranieri reiterated the need for Fulham to fight in the final 12 games of the season, and was pleased with the fact his side were pushing for a goal even at 3-0 down.
"We have to work hard, it's important to maintain the hope to do our best. I watch my team down 3-0 but they still wanted to score which is a good thing.
"We have to fight. We fight, but against champions the fight is not the only thing you have to do."
