Martin Jol has admitted that he is facing his toughest time in management as he struggles to record wins at Fulham.
The Dutchman has only managed two victories in fifteen league games since taking over from Mark Hughes at Craven Cottage, leaving Fulham just three points off the drop zone in fifteenth place. He tried to lower the average age of the top flight’s oldest squad during the summer transfer window, but despite some impressive performances, the results haven’t been forthcoming.
There have been positive signs of late, however. An away win at Wigan and a draw at Sunderland were followed by a battling point at Arsenal on Saturday and Fulham can book their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League should they beat FC Twente tomorrow night. Jol is confident he can turn things around.
This is the most difficult it’s been for me as a manager. We know we’ve been so close. We have a very experienced team but you need specific qualities. You need goals if you have a few injuries, like Bobby Zamora last season.
Our aim is to get two players in every position, to do well and play different sides in all the competitions. We are getting there.
When I spoke to (Mohamed Al-) Fayed I told him we are the oldest team in the Premier League. We lowered the average age of the squad but my line-up is not much different from last season. We are always looking to improve the squad.
