Jean Tigana officially took over the reigns as Fulham Manager
this afternoon and immediately insisted that his aim is to win
promotion to the Premiership at the first attempt.
The
Club’s Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed flew into Craven Cottage to introduce
both Tigana and new £2.1 million signing Louis Saha to the World’s
media for the first time since their arrival at the Club.
Tigana then spoke to the press in English - and told them that
he had joined Fulham to turn the the club into a top European
outfit.
“My aim is to win promotion this year. I like to build. Here
I can build the team that I want and I hope to make Fulham into
a team that will play against the best in Europe”
He added with a smile;
“I am sorry about my English. I have only been learning a short
while. But what I hope to teach the team I am able to demonstrate
also. But the language is not a big problem. After a couple of
months it will be ok.”
Asked about the possibility of signing players such as Paul Merson,
David Ginola and John Collins Tigana diverted the question to
his Chairman who said;
“David Ginola is too old, and we want mainly British players.”
But Fayed then indicate that John Collins is a player that could
be on his way to Craven Cottage when he jokingly added; “But I
like Scottish players”
Tigana himself would not be drawn on the subject of Collins simply
adding;
“The problem with John Collins is that he’s an Everton player.”