Source: team_talk
Jol: Berbatov will lift Fulham
Martin Jol is in no doubt Dimitar Berbatov can ignite Fulham's season, although he is still disappointed at the sales of two key men to Spurs.
The 31-year-old Bulgarian linked up again with his former Tottenham manager at Craven Cottage after a deadline day move from Manchester United.
Berbatov looks set to lead the Fulham attack on his home debut against West Brom on Saturday, and Jol is in no doubt of the quality the former Bayer Leverkusen frontman can bring.
"It was a big transfer for this club. He is probably the best player we have ever had here up front," said Jol, whose side will look to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat at West Ham before the international break.
"Hopefully he can fulfil the expectation and the people will see that he has got good quality.
"It is mixed feelings [after the transfer window] because we lost a lot of players in midfield.
"But we have to get on with the job and then Berbatov came in, and hopefully we have changed that feeling of disappointment a little bit."
Despite also bringing in veteran Greek international Giorgos Karagounis on a free transfer move from Panathinaikos and Iranian midfielder Ashkan Dejagah from Wolfsburg, Jol was left with a rebuilding job after seeing Moussa Dembele join Tottenham, which eventually proved the destination for want-away Clint Dempsey.
The manner of Dempsey's departure continues to irk Jol, who made it clear the American remained an integral part of Fulham's plans despite the player clearly wanting to further his career elsewhere - with Anfield for so long the apparent destination.
"Clint Dempsey wanted to play for a Champions League club, Spurs are probably a Champions League club and stature wise Liverpool are probably a Champions League club, so I can understand it, but to let a player go on the last day is disappointing," the Fulham manager said.
"I really hoped Moussa would stay here then maybe go to the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid next year, because I really think he is quality.
"He was the man and playing really well, but Spurs paid the clause, so we had to let him go."
