Fulham head coach Rene Meulensteen believes he still has the full backing of the club’s owner Shahid Khan despite his team’s poor form.
The Cottagers slipped to the bottom of the Premier League table following Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat to Southampton and there have been reports that Meulensteen is set to be replaced by technical director Alan Curbishley.
Former Manchester United assistant boss Meulensteen was only appointed in place of Martin Jol at the beginning of December.
However, Fulham have won only four of their 14 matches since the Dutchman took charge and they have lost their last four, prompting suggestions that Curbishley could be promoted after he was brought in on Christmas Eve.
But when asked if he had the support of Khan, Meulensteen replied: “Yes, 100 per cent. And more importantly I have got the full confidence of the playing squad because they have to do the job.”
Meulensteen believes Fulham’s task involves winning half of their remaining 14 Premier League games in order to avoid relegation.
The 49-year-old added: “I would think from the 14 games we should probably have to win half of them if you look at adding up the points where you get to.
“I don’t know if six games will be enough, or five games and a couple of draws, but if you cut it in half and you look at it then with seven wins we would be in a much better position.”
Meulensteen also revealed he remains in contact with Sir Alex Ferguson, his former boss at Old Trafford.
“I have spoken to him like I do, on and off. Sometimes he rings me and sometimes I ring him. He is always a phone call away,” said the Dutchman.
“I have always felt that whenever we stared into adversity or disappointment, I have always found him remarkably strong in those moments.
“You could never spot any doubt in his words or behaviour, that always transferred back to the players and I want to do exactly the same (at Fulham).”
