Magath Appointed Fulham Manager after Rene Meulensteen's Sacking

Fulham have hired Felix Magath as manager after agreeing on an 18-month deal with the former Bayern Munich boss following the dismissal of Rene Meulensteen on Friday, the club have announced on their official website.

The news comes two days after the Cottagers lost 3-2 to Liverpool at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Wednesday, which leaves the west London club rooted to the bottom of the league table with 20 points after playing 26 matches, four less from 17<sup>th placed West Bromwich Albion.

The statement on Fulham's official website read, "Fulham Football Club today announced the hiring of Felix Magath as First Team Manager, effective immediately."

"The announcement was made jointly by Chairman Shahid Khan and CEO Alistair Mackintosh. Magath receives an 18-month contract."

Magath's appointment means the west London side have a third manager this season. Martin Jol was sacked in December and Meulensteen was handed the task of steering the club away from the relegation zone.

With nine defeats in the last 13 league matches under the Dutchman, the club's management have decided to relieve the 49-year-old of his managerial duties in an attempt to avoid relegation to the Championship by the end of the current campaign.

"I am very happy to welcome Felix Magath to Fulham Football Club. Felix is an accomplished manager with multiple honours in the Bundesliga and a hunger to replicate his success with Fulham in the Barclays Premier League," the club Chairman said.

"I'm especially impressed with the reputation Felix has for coming into clubs at difficult times, often late in the season, and lifting them to their potential and beyond. Felix knows that is precisely the task awaiting him at Fulham, and he made it abundantly clear that he wants and is ready for the opportunity."

"Our Club has shown promise in recent matches, but the fact is we have not won a league match since January 1. Given our form, we can no longer merely hope that our fortunes will finally turn. And with 12 matches remaining and at least four points separating us from safety, we certainly can no longer post empty results. Action was required," he added.