Kerim Frei says the culture of Martin Jol's management at Fulham is helping to develop young talent.
Midfielder praises Martin Jol for giving youth a chance
Kerim Frei says the culture of Martin Jol's management at Fulham is helping to develop young talent. The 18-year-old is one of many players who have been handed their first-team debuts this season.
As the Cottagers juggle domestic and European commitments Jol has reinforced his squad with members of the youth team.
Swiss born Frei is yet to make his league debut, but has made five appearances in the Europa league and one in the Carling Cup.
The midfielder said: "Martin Jol is a calm manager. He knows exactly what he is doing. He gives younger players an opportunity as well, like Alex Kacaniklic was on the bench against Sunderland.
"He is a really good coach that wants to help players.
"Being with the senior players is a great plus. You see in training how they score goals and you are always thinking 'how did they do this?', 'how can I do this well?'
"I will always talk to them and they help you. They are great boys."
Carling Cup
Whilst most of his appearances have come from the bench, he started the Carling Cup tie with Chelsea which went all the way to penalties.
He added: "It has been quite a good season so far. I started against Chelsea for 120 minutes and also the Europa League games as well.
"My first game was in the Faroe Islands (against NSI Runavik in July). There were not too many people there but it was still good.
"For a 17-year-old to make his debut was great, although I was more nervous against Chelsea than the other teams.
Chances
"I think for every kid it is a dream to play in the Premier League (against the biggest clubs). To play against a team like Chelsea, that was special."
With Fulham playing eight games in December, the midfielder knows he may get more chances to play for the first team.
"I think I have a got a good opportunity to play, even for just five minutes (in the coming weeks). I was on the bench against Tottenham and I think I can get some minutes, even in the Europa League.
