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Fulham boss Martin Jol hits back at Everton's Tim Howard: We don't overly rely on Clint Dempsey
Dutchman denies his side's success is contingent on the 28-year-old's form, highlighting other attacking options at his disposal in addition to the high-flying US International
26 Jan 2012 17:51:00
by Nathan Lowe
Getty Images
Fulham manager Martin Jol downplayed his club's reliance on star attacker Clint Dempsey prior to Friday's FA Cup match against Everton.
The American has already notched two hat-tricks this month and again leads the London side in scoring, form that led to Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard claiming the Cottagers rely on his compatriot more and more each season.
Jol believes no team can be great without one or two great players, and though Dempsey fits the bill this season, the manager is still confident in his other goalscoring options.
"It is always great to have players that can make the difference," he told the club's official website. "You always rely on good goalkeepers, good centre forwards and productive players.
"You will never be a good team without one or two players [that can make the difference].
"Even Barcelona would not be without players that can make the difference.
"We have other players that can score. We have got goals in us, with Bryan Ruiz, Mousa Dembele and Bobby Zamora, who was involved in at least three goals the other day.
"We have got the quality but I can't deny that Clint was very different for us this year.
"Maybe he was in the past. I think so because he was our top scorer before.
"You always like your top scorer to be up front but if it's Clint, it's Clint. If it is Bobby, it is Bobby. It doesn't matter to me."
The 28-year-old has reportedly attracted enquiries during the January window after scoring 15 goals in all competitions this term, but Jol has little interest in parting ways with his side's form talisman.
"You only try to hold onto players who contracts have finished and then try to do something." the Dutchman said.
"With Clint there is no issue as he has two years to go.
"We certainly are not encouraging bids because we want to keep what we have got."
Fulham travel to Everton Friday in fourth round FA Cup action before hosting West Brom Wednesday in the Premier League.
Be sure to check back on Friday morning as Goal.com presents the brand new and exclusive Clint Dempsey diary!
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The American has already notched two hat-tricks this month and again leads the London side in scoring, form that led to Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard claiming the Cottagers rely on his compatriot more and more each season.
Jol believes no team can be great without one or two great players, and though Dempsey fits the bill this season, the manager is still confident in his other goalscoring options.
"It is always great to have players that can make the difference," he told the club's official website. "You always rely on good goalkeepers, good centre forwards and productive players.
"You will never be a good team without one or two players [that can make the difference].
"Even Barcelona would not be without players that can make the difference.
"We have other players that can score. We have got goals in us, with Bryan Ruiz, Mousa Dembele and Bobby Zamora, who was involved in at least three goals the other day.
"We have got the quality but I can't deny that Clint was very different for us this year.
"Maybe he was in the past. I think so because he was our top scorer before.
"You always like your top scorer to be up front but if it's Clint, it's Clint. If it is Bobby, it is Bobby. It doesn't matter to me."
The 28-year-old has reportedly attracted enquiries during the January window after scoring 15 goals in all competitions this term, but Jol has little interest in parting ways with his side's form talisman.
"You only try to hold onto players who contracts have finished and then try to do something." the Dutchman said.
"With Clint there is no issue as he has two years to go.
"We certainly are not encouraging bids because we want to keep what we have got."
Fulham travel to Everton Friday in fourth round FA Cup action before hosting West Brom Wednesday in the Premier League.
Be sure to check back on Friday morning as Goal.com presents the brand new and exclusive Clint Dempsey diary!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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