Mark Hughes insists that Mohamed Al Fayed had every right to deliver a dressing down to the Fulham squad after their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City last weekend.
The flamboyant Fulham owner vented his fury at the players at the club's training ground on Tuesday - their first day back following the humiliating defeat against Hughes' former employers.
"Yes, he (Al Fayed) came down to the training ground," Hughes confirmed. "He is obviously the chairman and takes a real active interest in the club. He's at all the home games and chats with the guys so it was good to see him. It was good that the players heard his views of the performance at the weekend."
He added: "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."
The defeat, in which Fulham were comprehensively outplayed, left the Londoners outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
Hughes admits the performance against City was disappointing and has already started making plans to bolster the squad in January. He is aware, however, that he must not waste any of the limited resources he will be given in the transfer window.
"Things have been discussed already," Hughes said.
"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."
Source: PA
