Fulham are getting a very special manager in Slavisa Jokanovic , according to the man who has followed his progress closely at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Freelance journalist and BBC World Football Correspondent Raphael Gellar has been reporting on Jokanovic’s whirlwind six months in Israel.

Jokanovic led Maccabi into the Champions League group stage for the first time in 11 year during half-season at the helm.

It was that feat which most impressed Gellar and made others, including Whites chairman Shahid Khan , sit up and take notice of the Serbian.

“After Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Viktoria Plzn and Basel in the Champions League qualifiers, I realized we had a very special manager,” explained Gellar.

“His tactics and game plan were perfect against Basel and he was able to get Maccabi to the Champions League for the first time in 11 years.

“It’s important to note that Oscar Garcia, Pako Ayestaran and Paulo Sousa were not able to accomplish this. Slavisa simply out managed Basel and it was amazing to watch.”

No nonsense: Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic

Jokanovic already has experience in the Championship, having guided Watford to promotion last term, and should have little trouble in settling back into the swing of things in England.

He is due to jet into London this morning, accompanied by match analyst Alberto Escobar, although his assistant Javier Pereira will remain in Tel Aviv for another week before following them to west London.

Jokanovic operates a tight ship and will instil discipline into the Fulham squad and Gellar points to his backroom staff as being key components as they form a solid coaching unit.

“Fulham supporters should expect to see a manager who always has his squad prepared for every challenge,” Gellar added.

“Slavisa is a brilliant tactician who knows how to get the best out of every one of his players.

“Eran Zahavi, who has scored 25-plus goals this year has been great under Slavisa and it is clear Slavisa has helped him develop in the short six months he has been here.

“He has a no nonsense approach and is very direct with his players and with the media.

Impressed: Fulham owner Shahid Khan

“If he has something on his mind, he will not be afraid to say it. He is also known for being completely professional and a gentleman on and off the pitch.

“It is very clear he is excited about managing Fulham and Fulham supporters should expect him to improve the squad immediately.

“I also believe one of the reasons he is so successful as a manager is his wonderful staff. They work really well together and are very loyal to Slavisa.”

Jokanovic will cast his eye over his new Fulham players this evening when Rotherham United visit Craven Cottage.

Fulham have no fresh injury concerns for the clash but Rotherham defender Stephen Kelly is set to be fit again and could take Frazer Richardson's place at right-back.

You can follow @Raphael_Gellar on Twitter.

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