Coleman: Steed row is wide of the mark

Fulham manager Chris Coleman today dismissed reports that he has been involved in an ongoing feud with Steed Malbranque.

The Welshman, who leads Fulham into a match that he described as "the biggest six-pointer of my career" against Portsmouth on Sunday, vehemently denied suggestions that Malbranque was unhappy at being asked to play wide.

"I have never had one problem with Steed Malbranque," said Coleman.

"He has never knocked on my door and demanded to play in centre midfield or said, 'Gaffer, I am not playing out wide'. And I have never said to Steed, 'You are playing there whether you like it or not'. Of course, I have had arguments, like I have with all my players from time to time. Bloody hell, I am there to keep them in line, but there's never been a feud with Steed."

Malbranque has failed to recapture his best form this season after being plagued by injuries. The Frenchman recently returned to action in Fulham's last home match when he was deployed on the flank.

Coleman accepts that is not his best position, but he still believes that Malbranque plays a key role.

"If you asked me what his best position was, I would say that if we had the players to do the defensive job for us it would be central midfield," said Coleman. "But Steed is also effective when he's out wide because he's got great ability and he's difficult for defenders to deal with when he's running at them."

Fulham have slipped to within four points of the relegation zone after failing to win in the Premiership for two months, augmenting the importance of Sunday's clash with fellow strugglers Portsmouth.