Scott Parker missed the club's stalemate with Southampton on Boxing Day, with Matt Wells and Stuart Gray in temporary charge; Fulham boss refuses to be drawn on rising coronavirus cases in Premier League and insists he feels safe under current protocols
Tuesday 29 December 2020 23:06, UK
Scott Parker will make his return to the Fulham dugout for Wednesday's Premier League match at Tottenham after a period of self-isolation.
The 40-year-old was absent for Fulham's goalless draw with Southampton on Boxing Day after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.
He returned a negative test last week but continued to self-isolate in accordance with government guidelines. However after another negative test at the weekend, he is free to take charge for the trip to Tottenham.
"I had to self-isolate for 10 days. I have done that and got a negative result again two days ago, so I'm back in with the team," Parker said.
"It's a difficult time obviously in this current climate, but I'm pleased to be back now and preparing for what is a big game on Wednesday against Spurs."
Parker believes the team - led by coaches Matt Wells and Stuart Gray against Southampton - coped well in his absence but that virtual communication is no substitute for working closely with the players.
The Fulham head coach did however refuse to be drawn on what could happen moving forward, after Premier League clubs recorded a record-high 18 positive coronavirus test results in the latest round of testing.
There are concerns ranging from safety to fixture congestion if postponements become more commonplace, with Monday's match between Everton and Manchester City the second league fixture to be called off this season.
"We had prepared and we had planned for the scenario so we had everything in place to fall on," Parker said about his period in self-isolation.
"In this current climate, we are living in unpredictable times. We knew what measures we needed to take and they worked very well.
"I think we have all come to realise, and learn, that looking too far ahead or working out whether something is going to happen or not [is difficult]. Normally things change on a daily or weekly basis.
"The Premier League and us as a football club have things in place. We have great protocols - it is a very safe environment. I don't feel in any way on edge or nervous."
Scott Parker's return to the dugout will see him test his managerial mettle against Jose Mourinho, who was his boss at Chelsea in 2004-05 and remains a man, Parker feels, with an undeniable aura.
The Fulham boss faces the 57-year-old as a manager for the first time and while respect remains high between the duo, the Craven Cottage chief will not be overawed.
He said: "It only felt like yesterday when I was a player under Jose and now I'll stand in the technical area with him, albeit a few years under him in terms of being in this job, so his experience is far superior.
"It is an occasion I am relishing and looking forward to and I can't wait to meet up with him again and get my team to pit their wits against a very good opposition."
And he added: "He had charisma about him which we all see now. He came into Chelsea and brought new ideas and certainly they were ideas that probably a lot of us in that squad had never seen.
"His training methods, his organisation and he himself brings a big personality and charisma, so that is exactly how I see him."
