Felix Magath: 'I can keep Fulham up'

New Fulham manager Felix Magath has backed his ability to keep the club in the Premier League.

The 60-year-old was appointed in controversial circumstances on Friday night, with the future of previous boss Rene Meulensteen still not made clear.

Magath has inherited a team that is bottom of the table and four points from safety, but he believes that his previous experiences in his native Germany hold him in good stead for the job in hand at Craven Cottage.

"Sure, I can [keep Fulham in the Premier League]. I have done it sometimes before in Germany. I've taken over clubs in similar situations like Fulham and I'm very confident that I can do it once more here. Twelve games are enough to keep Fulham in the Premier League," he said in an interview with the club's official website.

As for Meulensteen and his coaching staff, including Ray Wilkins, Magath has insisted that he has not had enough time to decide if they will form a part of his backroom team.

"We signed on Friday night and the time is too short to make up my mind about the staff. I've only had time to work with the players. I will meet them soon and after that I will make a decision," he added.

Magath's first game at the helm will see Fulham take on West Bromwich Albion next weekend.