Saha proud the French revolution is still alive

"I have been impressed with that because everybody was saying we were just attached to Jean, but we have shown that is not true.

"When the manager left, some of us were not happy because of the way it was done. It was unsettling and we were not sure if our positions were secure. But with Chris Coleman taking over, everything has settled down and the spirit in the squad is fantastic."

Saha's positive outlook, however, is not widely shared. Fulham have been tipped by many for relegation, with doubts about Coleman's ability to cope with the pressure in his first managerial appointment and the strength of the squad. Finnan has yet to be replaced, and the imminent departure of Davis, most likely to tomorrow's opponents, will make matters worse.

But Saha thinks Fulham, who are set to sign Sunderland's £2million-rated American Claudio Reyna, have been underestimated. "We have some very good players," he said. "Any team can struggle in the Premiership because it is not an easy place but we have the ability.

"People outside the club do not know what it is really like at Fulham and all they can see is problems and people leaving. If they could see us in training they would know how strong the spirit is. A good season for us would be to qualify for Europe or to win a cup."

Coleman has set his sights a little lower, while Saha, despite his confidence, admits this season is unlikely to be a smooth ride. He added: "I was not happy when Finnan and Taylor left because they were good players, my friends and we do not have a big squad. Maybe Davis wants to go because the club does not have enough ambition for him and I can understand that.

"But he is a big player for us and it is not possible for him to leave without somebody else coming in. Reyna is a very good player and we would need someone like him if Sean goes.

"I can do well this season and score the goals we need. I missed some of last season with an injury, so I am looking forward to it. We need to bring in some more new players but I am confident in the manager's ability and don't see why we cannot do well."

Saha expects to overcome a hamstring problem to play tomorrow but Andy Melville (foot) and Davis (knee) are out. Middlesbrough will be missing Massimo Maccarone (ankle), Franck Queudrue (suspended) and Ugo Ehiogu (knee).