Martin Jol insists that he is delighted with the 'gamble' he took on Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak.
Fulham boss hails Pogrebnyak signing
Martin Jol insists that he is delighted with the 'gamble' he took on Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak.
Fulham snapped up the Russian on loan from Stuttgart in January, and he has lit up Craven Cottage since his move with five goals.
His form with Fulham was in stark contrast to what he did with Stuttgart before his move with just one strike in 14.
But Jol admits that gambling on out-of-form players is the way they can get big names to the club.
"I have to get them when they are bad, not when they are fantastic," said Jol.
"It is impossible for us to get a player for £20million.
"But Pavel wants to work and improve and that's what makes a top, top player. If he keeps his feet on the ground, he will be a big hit.
"It was a gamble for him and for us, they told me Russians haven't got a good record in England. But I thought, 'You never know'. In Germany he was up against four players in his position.
"Here, I've got one No.9 and Orlando Sa, a back-up.
"For Pavel there is not this nervousness or insecurity and players gain from this. It's about confidence.
"I knew Pav when I was at Hamburg and I wanted him then, but he decided to go to Stuttgart.
"It's always good to know that someone likes you and has a little bit of faith in you.
"I want to find out if he wants to stay. There may be other clubs, but I would love him to stay here."
