Jol frustrated by defensive frailties

Fulham manager Martin Jol admits his side need to shore up defensively if they are to keep up their excellent start to the Premier League season.

Coinciding with the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov, the club have been in sparkling form in front of goal, scoring 24 goals in only 11 matches – including three against Arsenal last time out.

But their fortunes in defence have been far less impressive, particularly away from home where they have conceded 15 goals in six games.

And Jol has acknowledged the need to improve at the back.

“If you see, for example, Reading, Southampton, Arsenal – 60 or 70 percent of these (conceded) goals were set plays, corners and free kicks,” Jol said.

“We still scored more goals from set plays than we conceded but it is a little worrying and we spoke about it.

“We have to put that right because it is awful if you score three goals away from home at Reading or Arsenal and you still don’t win. It is frustrating.”

With the January transfer window fast approaching, Jol has revealed the he is looking for reinforcements, namely Molde centre-back Vegard Forren – who fellow countryman Brede Hangeland recommended.

“Most of the time if I ask for players from Norway they’re not that positive,” the Dutchman said.

“With this boy they were positive but that is the only thing I did. It was nice that Brede said something nice about his team-mate but that is not normally what you want.

“I don’t want to talk about targets, you know? This is more private. You want to keep this information for yourself, but he did well. He was open and honest so now we probably have to switch to another target.”