Fulham’s official website stated that, the club has appointed Felix Magath as their new first team manager. Though there was nothing on Meulensteen, but the former Manchester United coach, who had been in charge since the sacking of Martin Jol last December, later confirmed that he had been dropped from his duties.
During an interview with Sky Sports News, He said that the cottagers had “hit the panic button emotion and fear.” The club announced that their new recruit was given an 18-month contract and that an announcement on the club’s backroom staff will be made soon. “I am very happy to welcome Felix Magath to Fulham Football Club. Felix is an accomplished manager with multiple honours in the Bundesliga and a hunger to replicate his success with Fulham in the Premier League,” said Chairman Shahid Khan.
“I’m especially impressed with the reputation Felix has for coming into clubs at difficult times, often late in the season, and lifting them to their potential and beyond. Felix knows that is precisely the task awaiting him at Fulham, and he made it abundantly clear that he wants and is ready for the opportunity.”
“Our club has shown promise in recent matches, but the fact is we have not won a league match since January 1. Given our form, we can no longer merely hope that our fortunes will finally turn. And with 12 matches remaining and at least four points separating us from safety, we certainly can no longer post empty results. Action was required.”
“Alistair Mackintosh (the club’s CEO) did a wonderful job during the January transfer window to improve our club. This week, Alistair recommended Felix, with his history of producing results for clubs with similar challenges as ours, as the new manager of Fulham. Alistair’s recommendation received my complete approval and Felix has my unequivocal support.”
“The opportunity to bring in a manager with the experience of Felix Magath would typically be unlikely at this point in the season,” said Mackintosh. “However, Felix relishes this challenge. He is very impressed with our squad and commitment by Mr. Khan, and his confidence is precisely what we need over these final three months of the season.”
“I thank Mr Khan for his support and we are all looking forward to welcoming Felix to Fulham.”
Magath, who was a former midfielder and has won over 40 caps for West Germany during his playing career, has only managed in the Bundesliga.
His most successful and brilliant managing was as Bayern manager, during which he won the league and cup twice in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Magath has been known as a person who could save teams form relegation and he will need to sketch on those skills at Craven Cottage with Fulham currently bottom of the Premier League table and four points from safety.