- News
- Editorials
- Live
- Transfer Zone
- Clubs
-
Europe
- Europe Home
- Europe News
- England Home
- England Table/Results
- Italy Home
- Italy Table/Results
- Spain Home
- Spain Table/Results
- Germany Home
- Germany Table/Results
- Champions League Home
- CL Fixtures/Results
- Europa League Home
- EL Fixtures/Results
- Rest of Europe Home
- Rest of Europe News
- World Cup 2014 News
- World Cup 2014 Fixtures/Results
- Asia
- Goal Rich List 2013
- Americas
- Champions League
- Europa League
- World Cup
- Video
|
|
Fulham manager Jol happy with Bale's 'quietest game'
The Cottagers boss believes his side could have made their win against Tottenham slightly more comfortable by finishing their chances, but is pleased to take the three points
Martin Jol is pleased his Fulham side restricted Gareth Bale to his "quietest game" during their 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday.A goal from former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov in the second half was the difference between the sides as the hosts saw their push for Champions League football take a blow.
Bale saw a headed effort cleared off the line in the opening stages, but despite the early chance, Fulham managed to keep the Welsh international at bay and Jol was understandably pleased with his team's performance.
"I think we kept it simple today with Bale and [Mousa] Dembele, it was probably the quietest game for Bale," Jol told reporters.
"They are strong and with Bale, we showed all the videos and in the end I left maybe 90 per cent out because it was almost like a trauma at the end for my boys.
"I think the first half we tried to restrict them and we didn't play as well as we could, but we were very well organised.
"I think the second half was much better and we should have scored the second [goal] with [Ashkan] Dejagah and maybe [Brede] Hangeland and put everything to bed and over with, but we couldn't so they are such a strong team we had to be nervous until the end."
Jol also praised Berbatov for his contribution, revealing that he and the striker had made a deal prior to the game meaning that the Bulgarian could have a day off if he managed to grab a goal.
He added: "[Berbatov] said 'you have to trust me'. I thought he was joking, but he said it before the match against Stoke. But he's a wonderful player.
"The only thing he wants is a day off if he scores. So I promise him a day off and he scores. Remarkable boy."
The win marks Fulham's first victory at White Hart Lane since 2003. The former Tottenham manager denied that there was any personal satisfaction in beating his old team, instead focusing on the three points which takes his side nine clear of the relegation zone.
He added: "It's only about the three points, and it's nice that it is here because White Hart Lane is so difficult to go to and get a result."
| 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 to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
"Ilkay Gundogan drew the loudest cheers of the night until Neven Subotic's unbelievable goalline clearance. There's a more divided feel to the support in Bierschenke now and every Dortmund fan celebrated Subotic's saving challenge as if it was the winner. What an enthralling final this has been!"
-
Neymar's choice: How he saw all this coming
Santos' star forward spoke to Goal's Sebastian Garcia a year ago about the fight for his services between Spain's two top teams and his insight was revealing
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.
-
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants Isco at Chelsea
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
-
Higuain can take Juventus to the next level
The Argentine striker looks set to swap Madrid for Turin in the coming days after six years in Spain - and he is just what the Bianconeri need to challenge in Europe next season
