Fulham upturn not down to Kline’s exit – Jokanovic

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has insisted Craig Kline’s exit has not been the catalyst for his side’s improved results.

The Whites have won twice, drawn and lost once since Kline – the ex-assistant to head of football operations Tony Khan – was sacked.

Jokanovic believes the return of key players from injury has been more significant. 

“I don’t believe my players are thinking about this man (Kline). I am not thinking about him either. It’s not an important thing,” he said ahead of the west London derby with Brentford.

“I don’t want somebody to believe we lost some games because he was here or we won some games because he is out.

“His participation was in a different part (of the club). He wasn’t involved in the past like he’s not involved now, whether we win or lose the game.

“There are many reasons why we are where we are this season. Without going so deep into it, we had many people with some physical problems. I’m talking about important players; players my team depends on.

“When some important players don’t play for my team we are in trouble. We are still trying to adapt some players. In a big club in England, it’s not strange that you are waiting a year for some new players to give some results.”

Fulham moved into the top half of the Championship by following up a 5-4 victory at Sheffield United with a 1-0 win at home to Millwall.

Jokanovic explained: “The Sheffield United game was a very important win for us and our confidence, against a very strong team at the top of the table. But thinking about one game I’m not sure is correct.

“My job is to be positive and I must be satisfied with this game, like I must be satisfied with the three points against Millwall. But, at the same time, I must be realistic.

“It’s simple; we must push and show more enthusiasm, desire and quality. I can organise the team but the end product depends on my players and them taking the right decision at the right moment.”