Fulham's Premier League preparations hampered by Europa League distraction says manager Martin Jol

By Telegraph staff and agencies4:34AM BST 05 Aug 2011 Last night the west London side secured safe passage to the play-off stages after overcoming plucky RNK Split 2-0 at Craven Cottage. Fulham endured a frustrating night last week as they struggled to a goalless draw in the third qualifying round first leg but managed to see off the Croation outfit on home soil as Andrew Johnson scored a header and Danny Murphy scored a penalty. Jol's side have now played home and away ties with Faroese minnows NSI Runavik, Crusaders of Northern Ireland and Split, which the Dutchman admits is not the best preparation. ''We could organise another game for next Tuesday but I think that's a bad idea,'' he said after the match. ''We have played six games now. Maybe you would prefer to play eight or nine games in the pre-season as some other players didn't play a lot so that is probably a disadvantage, but I am satisfied with the results because we got through to the next round. Related Articles

Source: Telegraph