Richardson believes in Magath

25 February 2014 17:17

Midfielder Kieran Richardson maintains new Fulham manager Felix Magath can have his players "do whatever it takes" to keep the club in the Barclays Premier League.

The Cottagers are bottom of the table and four points adrift of safety after Saturday's 1-1 draw at West Brom, which was Magath's first game in charge since replacing Rene Meulensteen.

German Magath brings with him a reputation of being a strict disciplinarian with tough training regimes, but ones which helped him win the Bundesliga title three times with two different clubs.

Richardson, though, sees no issue with whatever is asked by Fulham's third manager of the season - so long as it produces the end result.

"There were rumours going on about extra training, extra this and that, but I've found him spot on," Richardson said in an interview with Sky Sports Soccer Saturday show.

"I like to be worked hard to make me a better player and get my fitness up.

"At the moment, we are bottom of the league, so whatever it takes to get out of that situation we are willing to do.

"He has achieved so much as a player and a manager, so when he talks you listen to him."

Richardson added: "He has drummed that into us, to work harder as a team.

"Individually, it is sometimes not enough and we realise we need to be together as a team and that is the only way we are going to get out of it."

Richardson, 29, was part of the West Brom side which pulled off a remarkable survival bid on the final day of the 2004/05 season.

The former Manchester United midfielder sees no reason why Fulham cannot emulate that achievement as they prepare for Saturday's west London derby against Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

"We can do it and we all believe we can do it," he said.

"We are four points out of it at the moment, that is nothing too crazy, but as each game goes by, the chances get further away, so you need to pick up the points.

"Teams on 28 points and below are still amongst it, all we have got to do is focus on Fulham and the next game."

Source: PA