In Fulham’s last Premier League stint, a huge injustice occurred before a ball was even kicked.
Slaviša Jokanović dropped Marcus Bettinelli from the matchday squad for the Cottagers’ opening day fixture against Crystal Palace, in place of new arrivals Sergio Rico and Fabri.
Cruelly, that came despite the Englishman keeping 14 clean sheets in 29 games as promotion was earned via the Play-Offs in 2017/18.
Funnily enough, history appears to be repeating itself. Scott Parker – who was part of Jokanović’s backroom staff when the Serb made his harsh decision – looks to have the exact same situation on his hands.
The ex-West Ham midfielder guided the Cottagers back into the top flight via the play-offs and now has a dilemma in between the sticks.
World Cup winning goalkeeper Alphonse Areola arrived on a season-long loan deal on Wednesday. The Frenchman boasts Champions League experience from his time with Real Madrid and PSG.
However, despite Areola’s pedigree, Marek Rodak cannot be dropped – not straight away, at least.
Parker himself watched the injustice involving Bettinelli take place, and he simply cannot allow history to repeat itself by replicating the move now.
The Slovakian shot-stopper made 36 appearances last term, keeping 15 clean sheets for Fulham. His fine efforts mean that he deserves to start the season as No.1, despite the vast qualities of the glitzy new recruit.
It will prove to be a real test of Parker’s top-flight coaching credentials.
Will he be able to handle the potential unhappiness of Areola if he leaves such an accomplished figure on the bench? Or will he stick to his guns and be fair to the man who helped get Fulham promoted?
With morality in mind, he should definitely do the latter.
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