Source: Team_Talk
Jol wants friendly attitude
Fulham manager Martin Jol admits he will treat the Europa League opener with NSI Runavik on Thursday like a competitive friendly.[LNB] The Cottagers qualified for Europe's second-tier club competition via the Fair Play League and take on the Faroe Islands part-timers at home in the first leg.[LNB]Jol replaced Mark Hughes at the helm this summer and while he says the timing of the tie is not ideal, claims it is no problem.[LNB]"It's not ideal but it's the second or third time Fulham are in Europe through the Fair Play league," he said.[LNB]"We'll treat it like a friendly with a serious touch."[LNB]Jol added: "I was talking to a friend who said they were from the Falklands Isles. I said 'No, it's even smaller than that'.[LNB]"We have to play eight or nine games in June and July. Usually we play seven or eight pre-season games so it's no problem."[LNB]NSI are from a town with a population under 4,000, with the return match played on 7 July.[LNB]If Fulham come through the tie they will face Belfast club Crusaders in the second qualifying round.
