SB Nation - Martin Jol

Major injury concerns for Diarra

Kristian Balkin — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:11:54 -0000

Martin Jol has been dealt a cruel blow with the news that his influential midfielder, Mahamadou Diarra, could be out for up to five months with knee troubles.

The former Real Madrid man was left out of the 3-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion last weekend after he returned from Mali international duty carrying an injury.

After inspecting the problem, Fulham believe it is possible that the midfielder could make it back within a month but, with the potential for further damage to be found after his operation, it is entirely plausible that he could miss a significant chunk of the campaign.

"He has a bit of cartilage floating in his knee", said Martin Jol, speaking ahead of Saturday's game at Wigan Athletic.

"That needs surgery so he is out for three to four weeks, maybe longer. But there could be cruciate ligament damage, and if that is true then it could be three or four months at least."

Though Chris Baird played well in Diarra's role in the Baggies game, this is a huge loss for Jol who has lost various players in central midfield over the summer.

Q&A with Pie Eaters Footie

Kristian Balkin — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:41:31 -0000

Ahead of our game against Wigan Athletic at the weekend, we asked Kieran from PieEatersFootie to answer some questions on his side's hopes for the season and, also, what he thinks of Fulham and Martin Jol.

You'll also be able to catch my answers to his probing questions on PieEatersFootie over the coming days.

1. You've managed to keep ahold of Roberto Martinez despite a lot of clubs sniffing around him - do you think that will prove vital in the way this season turns out for you?

Yes he was probably our biggest signing of the summer. None would have been able to get into the team well enough to keep us up this season. Martinez has a style of play, only he knows how to do, that saved us last season and of will see us succeed this season.

2. You're known for playing nice, attractive and attacking football but, as such, you're often left a bit exposed at the back. If it could guarantee you five more points in a season, would you sacrifice your club's footballing philosophy?

Our fans may say they would. Yet as a club what we are building is too valuable to lose now. Our style of play and the approach, isn't just at first team level but all stages of youth development.

The big picture for Wigan is to produce top quality footballing talent, that can play passing and moving football. Something I wouldn't want us to give up.

3. Do you think that having the number of close relegation shaves you've had over the past few years will make you stronger in that you've been there, done it and know what it entails? Or will it affect the players negatively?

No every year it helps us when push comes to shove. This season though I don't feel that we will need that kind of experience, we are aiming for mid-table and that is what I would hope to achieve this year. Very few players we have know how to maintain that level of consistentcy that can be need.

4. What needs to be done at your club to truly take the next step -and what do you think that next step is?

We need more fans, simply that. We do have a large fanbase in terms of what we came from. In 2000 we had about 5,000 home fans a week, now that is more along lines of 15,000. Yet even that is small for Premier League team, we can't compete in terms of what other teams make in selling their product.

If we could increase numbers and increase our income, then you increase player quality and can move further up the league.

For is the next step we want is a relegation free season. In the long run our aim is to play in Europe.

5. What's your impression of Fulham as a football club and, for that matter, what do you think of Martin Jol?

I like Fulham, when they are not playing Wigan (you always manage to beat us somehow). You are a lovely team who encompasses what English football is about. Good fan base coupled with a willingness to play good football.

As for Martin Hold I have never been a massive fan of his. I felt he was never able to full exploit Tottenhams fill potential, hopefully he can do it for you though.

6. Which two players would you take from us to supplement your squad?

You new main man on Dimitar Berbatov would be a nice signing, he may be a bit lazy at times, yet his ability to score more or less from anywhere makes him one of those players you want in your squad.

As for the other man, I would have to go for Breda Hangelan. The man is a quality defender and would improve anyone's defense in the world. You are lucky to have him signed down to a long term contract.

7. Score prediction?

I am going to edge my bets here with a 2-1 won to Wigan, will be a close game I feel.

Berbatov provides touch of class - Fulham 3-0 West Brom

Kristian Balkin — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 17:52:05 -0000

It's, unfortunately, quite sobering when you realise that a player well out in the fringes at Manchester United can have such a cosmic impact upon a top ten team. It highlights the vast divide between Premier League teams and Dimitar Berbatov, the man in question, proved this point quite poetically today.

Fulham fans will not moan, though, because the former United man grabbed a brace and performed heroically as Fulham made if eight goals in two home games with a fine 3-0 victory over 10-man West Bromwich Albion. Away form aside, Martin Jol seems to be making a distinctly potent outfit and with Berbatov spearheading an attack that could potentially include an instrumental Hugo Rodallega, an inspired Mladen Petric and a classy Bryan Ruiz, teams around us should be getting somewhat worried.

West Brom certainly were. They started timidly, rarely pushing into the Fulham half but when they did, with James Morrison collecting a Billy Jones pass, Mark Schwarzer was tested.

Steve Clarke's side were reduced to few chances after that, however, as the home side began to dictate play - Chris Baird in particular passing well and linking play superbly.

Half an hour in an Fulham's dominance began to bear fruit as Alex Kacaniklic, who had a dream afternoon and perhaps put in one of his best performances in White, teed up Berbatov. The former Tottenham man proceeded to bend the ball sublimely around Ben Foster and Jol breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn't long before the win was secured - though not through any further intrusion on the scoreline. A moment of madness from Peter Odemwingie led to his dismissal as the forward - deployed on the right of midfield on this occasion - lashed out at Sacha Riether. The red was both justified and deserved.

Berbatov, now beginning to control the match with his own talent-induced force field, came close with a diving header but his second would soon follow. Again, Kacaniklic was involved, as the winger won a penalty for the home side. Berbatov sent Foster the wrong way and West Brom were now, surely, more concerned with damage limitation.

Clarke made two changes to his side over the break in an attempt to change the path of the game and, to an extent, the plan worked. The Baggies looked more lively in the second period but, in truth, never looked particularly threatening. Chris Brunt forced a save from long range before striking the post from his own corner.

With that spell of optimistic venturing over, Fulham yet again took the driver's seat. Ben Foster made some exemplary saves as first he denied Steve Sidwell and then an on-rushing Damien Duff. Duff then returned with more venom but a deflected shot still couldn't fool Foster who, despite ending up on the losing side, put in a masterful shift.

Hugo Rodallega, who, despite not getting a goal was influential throughout, tested Foster twice and Berbatov tried again but all seemed in vain. That was until Sidwell popped up in the last minute of normal time with only an empty net to answer to.

That made it 3-0 and that left the impression we hoped it would: come to Craven Cottage and expect the toughest of challenges.

Hughes signs on

Kristian Balkin — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:59:03 -0000

Fulham defender Aaron Hughes has signed a contract extension with the club, agreeing a deal that will see him stay at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2014.

His previous deal, signed in December of 2009, tied him down until 2013 but Martin Jol was eager to see the Northern Ireland international commit his long term future to the club.

This is in spite of the fact that, at the beginning of Jol's reign at Fulham, Hughes was considered somewhat out of favour by his manager. Jol seemed to prefer former Arsenal man Phillippe Senderos but, after proving himself consistently and further establishing his strong partnership with Brede Hangeland, Hughes has regained his first team spot and doesn't look like letting it go.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com, the 31 year-old spoke of his delight at the new extension:

"I'm obviously delighted as I've enjoyed my time here so far and to know that I'll be around for another couple of years is a nice thing for me," Hughes said.

"I've had a lot of good experiences so far and hopefully I'll have more between now and 2014."

Fulham chase Turk

Kristian Balkin — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:19:30 -0000

Martin Jol is looking to bring in Turkish goalkeeper Sinan Bolat in the January transfer window, with a view to provide competition to current number one, Mark Schwarzer.

The Standard Liege stopper, according to EatSleepSport, is already in Fulham and speaking to the club with Jol keen to send David Stockdale on loan and ensure ample cover is available for his first choice, Australian 'keeper.

At 24, and already a fully-fledged Turkish international, Bolat has his best years ahead of him and, despite a wealth of goalkeepers already at the club, Jol views Bolat highly enough to bring him to South West London.

Bolat boasts the strange record of being the only 'keeper to ever score a Champions League goal in open play after firing home a header in a 1-1 draw with AZ Alkmaar back in 2009.

Jol: Kasami can leave on loan

Kristian Balkin — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:17:23 -0000

The dearth of talent in Fulham's central midfield is about to become yet more significant with manager, Martin Jol, admitting that he would like to see Pajtim Kasami sent out on loan.

After losing Danny Murphy, Dickson Etuhu, Marcel Gecov and Moussa Dembele from the middle of the park, there are major doubts as to how well both Steve Sidwell and Mahamadou Diarra can cope but Jol, usually keen on blooding youngsters at Craven Cottage, is seemingly not concerned about letting another midfielder, in Kasami, go.

Kasami has blown hot and cold since his arrival from Palermo last summer, showing glimpses of his talent at various stages in his debut season but never truly breaking into the first team. A row over a missed penalty led to the Swiss 19 year-old being fined and, since that day, Kasami has found first team football to be a scarcity.

Still, his talent is undeniable and Juventus' pursuit of the midfielder over January proves as such.

Jol, however, was slightly more succinct with his assessment of the player.

"Kasami is a youngster and if everyone is sound and well he won't start, he knows that," he told the Fulham Chronicle.

"That's a bit of a problem with him because he wants to play all the time.

"I feel he should do a bit better and push for a starting place but he's not there yet.

"I think he could benefit from a loan spell."

Fulham may turn to Karagounis

Kristian Balkin — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:01:14 -0000

In a bid to plug the huge hole left by Moussa Dembele and Danny Murphy in central midfield, Martin Jol is reportedly keen to add to his Fulham ranks with Greek international Giorgos Karagounis.

The midfielder is now available on a free transfer after failing to agree a new contract with Panathinaikos and, with English clubs still allowed to bring in unsigned players, has caught the eye of Jol.

At 35, he doesn't quite fit the Dutchman's normal remit of young, up-and-coming players, but Jol is thought to be desperate after missing out on a large quantity of targets on deadline day, including Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, who ended up with Everton.

Despite his age, Karagounis has impressed at both club and international level, particularly in captaining his Greece side to the quarter finals of Euro 2012.

Panathinaikos are loathe to lose one of their most influential players but the Greek giants find themselves in deep financial difficulty and were unable to find an agreement with the former Inter Milan and Benfica man.

This means that, as there is space in Fulham's 25-man Premier League squad for another player, he could team up with Fulham if a contract can be thrashed out.

It would, however, be subject to Premier League ratification.

Fiorentina want Berba compensation

Kristian Balkin — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 19:44:18 -0000

Fiorentina are seeking compensation from Dimitar Berbatov and his agent after turning down a move to the Italian club.

The Viola supplied the funds for Berbatov's flight to Florence but the Bulgarian never turned up, amid rumours that he had opted for rivals Juventus instead.

As it turns out, neither would be his destination as the striker was persuaded to team up with former boss Martin Jol at Fulham, but Fiorentina are far from happy with the saga.

In a statement released on transfer deadline day, the Italian side went on to claim that Berbatov was not worthy of their club and the values it represents.

And now, sporting director Daniele Prade is insisting that Fulham's new signing must reimburse the club's expenditure from his flight.

"Berbatov? The final lines of our press statement are just my thoughts," he told Radio Blu.

"I'm glad that he did not arrive. We will request to his agent the money we paid for their flight to come to Florence, 100 percent."

Sour grapes? Just a little.

Richardson knows he must improve

Kristian Balkin — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 19:30:45 -0000

Kieran Richardson accepted that his performance against West Ham United wasn't up to scratch and has vowed to improve in time for Fulham's next tie, at home to West Brom.

He was thrown straight into the starting line-up a day after signing for the club but didn't get off to the start he would have liked. He looked hesitant when on the ball and somewhat out of touch with his team mates.

Clearly, though, Martin Jol has significant faith in his new Sunderland purchase, and the player himself knows that his debut was hardly perfect.

"I was upset with the way the game went. I didn't feel sharp at all, I felt sluggish," Richardson said.

"I hadn't really trained with the team so I didn't know the way they played that well but I've got a break now before the next game and I'll get my fitness up and understand more on how the team play."

The player has moved back to London after stints at Manchester United and Sunderland, which followed his time in the youth setup at West Ham.

After years away from the capital, he revealed that, for family reasons, he was keen to return.

"I'm so pleased. Me and my family are so chuffed to be here.

"I first heard that Fulham were interested in me towards the end of last season, so I've always had it in the back of my mind that I could be coming here.

"Finally, it did happen for me and I want to thank the manager and the chairman. I want to do well for the club and for the fans.

"I've spoken to the manager and we've had a good chat. I'm hoping he'll get the best out of me.

"Saturday was a bad performance but I've put that behind me and I'll be working hard on the training field to prepare for West Bromwich Albion."

Transfer News: Berbatov Completes Fulham Transfer!

Sweet science — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:35:44 -0000

Dimitar Berbatov has finally found a way out of Manchester United as Fulham have pounced and snapped up the Bulgarian to a two year contract, after moves to Florentina and Juventus fell through. Berba links up with his old boss at Spurs Martin Jol, who brought him to England six years ago from German outfit Bayer Leverkuson. In my opinion I feel it is a great move for the player as well as Fulham.

But, despite not at all being a fan of the player during his time at United, I believe the deal may well bite us in the backside come 2nd February when Fulham entertain United at Craven Cottage.

His lack of industry was infuriating. His lack of meaningful goals and misses in times of need hampered the team. And the occasional flash of brilliance, such as the overhead kick against Liverpool to win the game and complete his hat trick, not enough to live up to his hefty price tag.

But at Fulham, he will likely be the main man. The focal point. Just as he likes it. The Fulham fans will take to him too if he can reproduce anything like the form he showed at Spurs under Jol, the way that the majority of Red Devil supporters never really did. He is the type of player that can really ignite an attack single handily when in the right system. And I really do expect him to be a hit in London.

He will really have a point to prove to Fergie too when Fulham play us, and even I think he could be a thorn in our side. Hopefully he will prove influential against the other big boys in the league, much like fellow United old boy Darren Gibson was against City last year