Fulham boss Jean Tigana's worries over last season's relegation worries all seemed a million miles away as Intertoto Cup finalists Fulham, who need only to draw against Bologna a week on Tuesday to enter the UEFA Cup, started their two-year groundshare at Loftus Road with a fine 4-1 victory over Bolton.
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
Fulham Boss Jean Tigana's worries over last season's relegation worries all seemed a million miles away now
|
|
After the game Jean
Tigana referred to the controversies which filled the media during the summer and which must have left the Frenchman fearing for his job.
He said: "I had a few problems inside and was pleased to see many people around me who were very strong. My heart is only for Fulham Football Club.
"I try to give the experience to others, so we can work together. It's not possible to win alone.
"This summer was a very, very good experience, as I grow when I have problems. I like difficulties - and I progressed through the summer."
In relation to the win over Bolton
he added: "I'm very pleased, as we've never scored four goals in the Premiership.
"I knew we could play like that as we played very well against Bologna (in Tuesday's 2-2 draw).
"We played very well but must now forget that and focus on the next game.
"This was a fantastic start. Now we have two very important games, at Middlesbrough on Saturday and then Bologna at home."
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce slammed his side's defending and warned he plans to sign two new players to improve his squad.
"I hope it's a great big kick up the backside - and that the reality has hit home straight away," he said.
"Any less commitment than last year won't be accepted. We can't perform to that level again if we want to get results.
"August 31 has been in my mind - and I'm still two players short for my squad and I need them. We've got to make sure we've got strength in depth to cover injuries."
Straight-talking Allardyce added: "Fulham and us were miles apart - we found ourselves wanting.
"Our defending was woeful. Players sold themselves and went to ground - and you shouldn't do that, you should stay on your feet.
"We got off to a great start and had a great platform - but we didn't make their keeper make a save and only scored from a penalty.
"It was three basic errors, costing us two penalties and the third goal."