Slavisa Jokanovic has challenged the Fulham hierarchy to back him over on-loan Chris Martin's refusal to play against Reading.
Martin was not part of the squad for a match that ended up being abandoned at half-time due to fog after withdrawing himself in pursuit of a return to parent club Derby.
Jokanovic was scathing of the striker, who has scored seven goals in 17 appearances since joining the Whites in the summer, insisting his setup is not a "primary school" or a "democratic state".
The Serbian told Sky Sports: "He made himself unavailable for today's game but I expect he will be ready and available for tomorrow.
"I want to go to Real Madrid but this is not a train station where somebody goes in or goes out when they want. Football is not a democratic state.
"What I definitely don't want is to strengthen our rivals. I don't know if Chris Martin will play for Fulham, but my position is don't play for Derby again this season.
"It depends on Fulham. Fulham needs to decide if they are going to defend their head coach, or if they are going to defend Chris Martin and Derby.
"This is not primary school. We are the oldest London club. I know he is going to stay at Fulham, and it depends on him if he wants to keep working well and be part of the team."
Fulham have been interested in signing Martin on a permanent deal this January, after attempts to do so in the summer fell through.