Jol unaware of past history

Last updated : 20 August 2011 By Team Talk

Bobby Zamora broke his leg in a challenge with Wolves midfielder Karl Henry last September, ruling the England international out for five months.

To compound matters Fulham skipper Danny Murphy accused Mick McCarthy's side of being too "pumped up" a couple of weeks later, leading to back-and-forth comments between the two camps.

Jol admits he is unaware of any underlying animosity but expects a tough match in the West Midlands.

"I should be aware of it but I am not aware of it," said the Dutchman, who was appointed Fulham boss in the summer.

"From what I've seen of Wolves when I was abroad in Holland and Germany, they are a strong, physical team.

"They are very difficult to beat away from home but, as some teams proved last year, you need a bit of luck, quality and players that can make the difference.

"They had a very good start last week, as you know, and hopefully we can have a result over there because we need it as well. We only have one point from last weekend."

Fulham struggled to a frustrating 0-0 draw with Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on the opening day of the Premier League season, while Wolves secured an impressive 2-1 win at Blackburn.

The Cottagers have since defeated Ukrainian outfit Dnipro 3-0 in a Europa League play-off during which Jol rested several key first-team players.

The Dutchman rejected the notion that his decision was due to the importance of the Wolves clash and instead said it was more of an opportunity to give peripheral players a run out.

"I think the main thing, the priority, for me is that I trust my players," he said.

"I trust [Matthew] Briggs and he was a revelation for me in the pre-season.

"Stephen Kelly had to wait for his chance and took it, not that he will play every week but he showed me why he is here. [Pajtim] Kasami was playing 25 matches in the Italian league at 18 so I knew he could play for us, but you always have to wait and see so that is the feeling I had before the game.

"I have to play all my players - or at least 16 or 17 of them - to look ahead to the future."

Jol has openly admitted that he hopes to bring in some new faces before the transfer window ends and expects Rafik Halliche to go the opposite way.

Mexico left-back Carlos Salcido departed on a season-long loan to Tigres last week and Jol expects the Algeria international to follow suit.

"I think Halliche is a good player, better than we probably give him credit for because he could not show last year and couldn't show this year," he said.

"But, of course, I have different players at the back - good players - so there is probably not an opportunity for him to play.

"If I work hard to find something and he is working hard, I think if he can play for another club then he can raise his profile which is good for him and good for us."

He added: "I don't expect him to leave before the end of the transfer window, but that is what Halliche hopes for and that is what I hope for."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk