Fulham are in danger of falling out of promotion picture in the Championship — and head coach Slavisa Jokanovic admits they deserve the criticism coming their way.
Struggling Fulham travel to leaders Wolves tonight down in 16th place after a poor run of four matches without a win.
Jokanovic’s side, among the favourites for promotion before the start of the season, lost 2-0 at home against Bristol City on Tuesday and are now six points outside the play-off places.
They are 13 points behind league leaders Wolves and Jokanovic knows results must improve.
“It is a frustrating situation for myself, my players and our supporters, but we cannot give up and there is a long way in front of us,” he said ahead of the difficult match at Molineux. “We deserve the criticism and this is natural. We know we are not at our best level, but we cannot be depressed. There is a long period ahead of us.”
Fulham owner Shahid Khan was in London to see Fulham draw with basement side Bolton last Saturday and then lose on Tuesday. Khan is desperate for promotion back to the Premier League this season and the American owner will expect a big improvement.
The build-up to tonight’s game has been dominated this week by the sacking of Fulham data analyst Craig Kline.
Kline, whose title was director of football operations, was dismissed on Monday in a meeting with Khan and told not to return.
Kline called police to make a complaint and posted a number of serious allegations against senior figures at Fulham on Twitter but deleted them soon after.
Jokanovic has refused to comment on the sacking. He said: “I am fully concentrated on my work and in front of myself and my players is a very important game. I do not have any comment from things that happen internally in my club.
“In this moment I must be concentrated on my work and I have no intention of making a comment on this man.
“In general, what I know is he is not here and he has left the club and that is it. I do not have any other information on this case.”
Fulham face a tough test against Wolves, who have spent big to get into the Premier League and are the highest scorers in the Championship with 27 goals in 15 games.
