If Felix Magath is feeling the heat after Fulham’s poor start to the new season then he’s certainly not showing it, according to defender Tim Hoogland.
Hoogland scored his second goal of the campaign on Saturday but Kenwyne Jones was also on target as Cardiff City pegged back the Whites at Craven Cottage.
But few would have thought Magath’s side would be in this position, second-from-bottom, five games into the new season as they look to bounce back to the Premier League.
Hoogland is one of those who expected to find the team fighting at the other end of table after joining from Schalke in the summer.
Hoogland, who worked with the 61-year-old at his old club Schalke, knows his manager better than most and believes he has the inner-belief to ride out the storm.
“Absolutely,” came the response when quizzed as to whether Magath was the right man for the job.
“I don't know how many new players we have in this team and it's always difficult.
“There are teams in the Championship who have played over years together.
“You have to find your first team and it's a process. I think we're going to come nearer and nearer and he's doing good.
“It [the pressure] doesn't show. It's the life of a manager. He's old - experienced - he knows how to handle it. We showed we stick together as a team, with the manager, with everyone.”
A defeat against Cardiff was unthinkable for Magath and Fulham.
Hoogland’s goal gives his manager much-needed breathing space and, particularly in the first 45 minutes, the signs were there that the Whites are beginning to gel as a team.
“It's our first point,” the full-back added. “I think we played very well today. Normally we have to win this game because we had the better chances but at the end it's just a draw and one point but I think this was our beginning.
“It's a great feeling to score - its my second goal and I'm happy. I'm a defence player but when I get a chance to be in the opponent's box I think I can sometimes be dangerous for them.
“It was really important [to stop the run of defeats].
“They had two or three corners in the last minutes and we stood strong. It's our first point. They were a good team. I think we can grow now.
“Of course we were thinking not again. It's in your head when you've lost four games in a row in the season it is in your head. In the end it's ok but normally we have to win this game.”
