New Fulham manager Felix Magath is convinced he can keep the club in the Premier League this season despite watching hopes of a debut win founder on the back of a howler from Maarten Stekelenburg.
“The players are disappointed because we were so close to claiming the three points,” said Magath, whose side continue to prop up the table. “But we showed a lot of fight, which is what I want from my teams, and I was very satisfied with the first half.
“In the second half we then made too many mistakes, so we go home with only one point. But as a team we were close together, we fought very well, we looked like a team. We started very well and we had chances, the same as West Brom, but the more time went on, the more we went back like in recent games.
“But I’ve seen enough to feel sure Fulham will stay up. I was sure before the game, and I’m sure after the game. We were close to a win and the next game we will win.”
That is some boast from the first German to manage in the Premier League as Fulham’s next match is at home to Chelsea next Saturday.
Magath, though, would not blame Stekelenburg for the equaliser, in particular as the 31-year-old otherwise pulled off a number of fine saves, with none better than in injury time to deny Chris Brunt the winner.
“He (Stekelenburg) played very well,” said Magath. “It was a shot from only a few metres and such things can happen. I don’t see the keeper being at fault. I don’t blame him.”
Although undone by the introduction of new technology, Magath again had no qualms as he has long been an advocate.
“I wonder why everybody doesn’t have such technology,” added Magath. “When everybody sees a ball is behind the line, it’s terrible if the referee doesn’t see it and makes the wrong decision. So I remain a fan. I always fought for technology in Germany.”
