Clint: No Jol impact over Ramos

19 August 2011 13:37
Fulham's Clint Dempsey has denied manager Martin Jol's history with Juande Ramos acted as added motivation against Dnipro on Thursday night.[LNB] The United States international followed up his first-half effort with a header shortly after the restart to help the Cottagers to an impressive 3-0 home victory against Ramos' side in the Europa League play-off first leg.[LNB]The Spaniard replaced Jol as Tottenham manager four years ago but the Dutchman managed to exact some revenge at Craven Cottage.[LNB]Dempsey denied the managers' history acted as added motivation and instead preferred to focus on the team's success.[LNB]"[Their history] was not something that played on our minds," he said on Monday. "It was about coming out here and winning the game.[LNB]"We knew that we needed to get some goals here at home because it's going to be a difficult away leg. We were able to do that.[LNB]"Getting three goals is great but the most important thing is that we're able to keep a clean sheet even though at times it maybe looked a little bit scary in the second half. They had some good chances."[LNB]He added: "We try to play the right way.[LNB]"We have a lot of honest guys on the team that work hard and we have a good core group of guys that have been here through the most successful period in Fulham's history.[LNB]"We've had a lot of managers change in a short amount of time.[LNB]"But we stick together and every time a manager comes in we all try to get on the same page and do the best that we can.[LNB]"We are excited about the new manager that we have and everybody wants to impress.[LNB]"These games are important early on, you want to gain his confidence and show him that you want to be out there and play as many games as possible.[LNB]"That's what it's about."[LNB]Dempsey's goals were complemented by Aaron Hughes' opener, meaning the west Londoners head to Ukraine next week with a three-goal advantage.[LNB]The Texas-born midfielder believes the result puts Fulham in a "good position" and admitted he was relieved to net his first goals of the season.[LNB]"The first three games I didn't have many shots and that was frustrating," he said.[LNB]"I tried to come out tonight and make sure I took advantage of the chances that I did get and I'm happy I have two goals now.[LNB]"For the first goal, I had a late run in, it was a great ball in from Siddy (Steve Sidwell).[LNB]"I was thinking about taking it on my right foot but at the last minute decided to go with my left. I just had a better feeling with it.[LNB]"I was able to redirect it and put it in.[LNB]"And then before the cross I was able to make a little room for myself and get the header. So I'm excited about that.[LNB]"Obviously, a lot of credit to the people who were putting the balls into the box. But I was pleased to take advantage of the chances I did get tonight."[LNB]Dempsey's second goal was set up by summer signing Pajtim Kasami, who made his first start for the Cottagers on Thursday night since moving from Serie A outfit Palermo.[LNB]"He's very skilful, he's confident," said Dempsey.[LNB]"He tries things and it's about just finding that right balance to know what you can and can't get away with.[LNB]"I think that his future looks bright and he put in a good performance tonight."

Source: Team_Talk