Jols calmness is a lesson to all despite poor run

10Jan 2013

Premier League

Fulham have been on a horrendous run of form says Luke Moore, but Martin Jol's calm nature means no one is talking aboout the Dutchman being under pressure just yet...

Last week's article about the relative merits of Arsenal stumping up for Theo Walcott's new contract attracted a sizable amount of controversy both in the comments section and across social networks.

It seemed for every reader wanting to support the points I was making, there was another incandescent with rage that I had the temerity to question his ability.

For all the assertions that I don't appreciate him as a footballer, I simply don't see him as a consistently high performer and have serious doubts that he can successfully adapt to this central role he craves. For all his talents, he's no Thierry Henry and I maintain that it's a measure of how far Arsenal have fallen that they are in danger of being held to ransom by a player of Walcott's stature.

As for the suggestion that by one commenter that Walcott would be better appreciated on the continent, that to me seems ridiculous. There is a far greater emphasis on tactics and performing a defined role in Spain, Italy and Germany, and Walcott is in no way a tactically-minded, intelligent player in that mould. I'd argue that the explosive, bombastic nature of the Premier League is in fact perfectly suited to him.

Anyway, onwards and upwards. We were pretty close to bringing in two decent sized bets on last weekend's FA Cup Third Round games, but sadly Swansea and Crystal Palace could both only manage draws. There are always upsets on Third Round weekend, you just have to pick the right ones.

One Premier League team that did struggle against weaker opposition at the weekend though were Fulham.

They managed to battle to a draw at home to an inconsistent Blackpool side thanks to Giorgos Karagounis' exquisite 80th minute effort which, for me, was the goal of the round. A beautiful, arching hit over the flailing, helpless Matt Gilks in the Blackpool goal was enough to secure a replay back at Bloomfield Road, yet Martin Jol played pretty much a full-strength side and his team still couldn't get the win.

Having won just two of their last 13 league games, the west London outfit's relatively safe position of 13th in the table belies the fact that they're in horrendous form. Scoring only eight goals in their last 10 games, they're really struggling in front of goal at the moment, and have more than a few key personnel injured.

Add the fact that a revolving door was installed at Craven Cottage last summer with seven new players coming in and eight going the other way, and you have all the ingredients for a fairly shaky period for the club.

Jol has delivered a masterclass in how to handle the media though, and as a result there is hardly any pressure on him and his job, which is fascinating considering his boss is the trigger-happy, ten-managers-in-15-years-as-owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, a man who has given the bullet to more men than John Wayne.

The big Dutchman has effectively managed to keep the braying wolves away from his door by exuding a calm, avuncular attitude in interviews with the press. Rarely questioning refereeing decisions, avoiding spats with other managers and generally keeping his players happy with his good-natured, let's-all-have-a-bear-hug style (see after the final whistle in the the last game of last season for evidence). His team's plight has largely gone under the radar and he has engineered himself some space and time in which to work the problems out.

This is a lesson for the more explosive managers who ply their trade on our shores. Attracting attention to oneself in a crisis with an eye-catching quote or ear- catching soundbite is not recommended. The press gang will circle ever closer should they smell a manager under pressure, and they are nothing if not merciless. Take note, messrs Roberto Mancini, Harry Redknapp and Alan Pardew.

So what can Jol do to turn things around and move his side back up the table? Well, taking advantage of the January transfer window would be an obvious start.

With so many players coming in last summer, another one or two is unlikely to make much difference and an area that clearly needs strengthening is undoubtedly in the middle of the pitch. Fulham haven't replaced the calming, classy influence of Danny Murphy in there. Steve Sidwell doesn't appear consistent or dominant enough and Mahamadou Diarra continually struggles with his fitness. Someone that can consistently break up the play and distribute the ball sensibly is so important in the Premier League and that's an area the manager should look at.

They could also do with a bit of defensive cover. When Brede Hangeland was suspended earlier in the season, it was clear that Philippe Senderos isn't a fall back option to be relied upon. Further back up in that area is essential.

Fulham are strong in wide areas and up front in terms of personnel despite their recent goal shy tendencies, and if they can just shore up that midfield area which will stop them conceding goals it'll soon be bear hugs all round at Craven Cottage again.

This week's bet

Jol's boys entertain Wigan at home this weekend, and what better way to get their season kick started with a win? Unusually, Roberto Martinez's men actually have a better record away from the DW Stadium this season, so it won't be as easy as all that for Fulham. That said, Wigan haven't beaten Fulham since 2006 and I think the home side can sneak the win. Odds of 1.99 on a home win seems like a more than reasonable price.