Fulham boss says owner has right to criticise players
Fulham manager Mark Hughes says that Mohamed Al Fayed has every right to criticise the players, as the Egyptian is the chairman and owner of the English Premier League club.
Al Fayed arrived at the training ground to deliver a dressing-down to the squad two days after their 4-1 thumping at the hands of Manchester City on Sunday 21 November.
The defeat left the London club on the threshold of slipping into the relegation zone as they are only above 18th placed Wigan Athletic on goal difference.
As a result of their recent poor results, Al Fayed opted to deliver a personal warning to the players, one which Hughes fully endorsed.
He told reporters: "Yes, (Al Fayed) came down to the training ground. He is obviously the chairman and takes a real active interest in the club. It was good that the players heard his views of the performance at the weekend. We had obviously already discussed
what we felt about the game as a group of players and management so his input was noted and obviously we want to build on what we feel we have achieved this season in terms of performance level. We hope it helps us win (Saturday's) match."
Hughes added that the club were drawing up a list of potential transfer targets as they look to bring in several new faces when the transfer window reopens for business in January.
The likes of City duo Roque Santa Cruz — whom Hughes signed when he was manager at the City of Manchester Stadium — Shaun Wright-Phillips and Cluj striker Lacina Traore have been linked with moves to Craven Cottage.
However, Hughes claimed that the club would be cautious as they decided which players to bring in.
He added: "Things have been discussed already. If opportunities present themselves and they are within our means then we will try to add to the quality of the club. You can't make changes just for the sake of it, though. Sometimes the players you need to
bring in in those positions aren't available."
Fulham will next take on Birmingham City on Saturday 27 November as they bid to move away from the lower end of the table.
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