MARTIN Jol has told Fulham’s disgruntled fans to expect a top-10 finish this season.
The Whites manager came under fire from the Craven Cottage faithful following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion.
That result leaves Fulham down in 13th place after taking four points from a possible 12 at the start of the Barclays Premier League season.
Chants of ‘Jol out’ were audible at full-time against the Baggies at the weekend as Gareth McAuley’s last-gasp equaliser cost Fulham their first home win.
It was a far cry from the sparkling form that saw Fulham reach the Europa League final in 2010.
The Dutchman believes the expectation levels in SW6 can be traced back to that run but is confident of improving on last season’s 12th-place finish this term.
“It's always hard to fight expectation level and maybe the minority feels that we should be in the top four or something,” Jol said.
“I think we could end maybe 10th or ninth. We were eighth or ninth in the last couple of years.
“If you play in a European Cup final the expectations are high but that was two years ago.”
Jol was aware of the crowd’s reaction on Saturday as Fulham were held at the death and admits he feels frustrated by the situation.
He added: “At that end there are five, 10, maybe 15 who shout. I think it was a bit more today. Maybe 25 or 30 so it's getting more and more.
“I'm a very proud person and I'm used to playing the top five or higher. I would like to help and make the fans happy and hopefully I can do that and if not we will have a problem.
“It frustrates you that the crowd start yelling at you. Of course I would like few people to be more appreciative but what can I do about it?”
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