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Sunday, 18 August, 2002, 11:19 GMT 12:19 UK
Tigana looks on bright side
Louis Saha converts the first Fulham penalty at Loftus Road
Saha converts the first Fulham penalty at Loftus Road
Fulham boss Jean Tigana hopes he has put a difficult summer behind him after the 4-1 thrashing of Bolton.

The appointment of Franco Baresi as director of football and a reduced transfer kitty appeared distant memories as the Cottagers scored four in the Premiership for the first time.

The victory ensured Fulham started their two-year groundshare at Loftus Road in fine style.

Tigana chose the moment to speak about his controversy-plagued summer.

"I had a few problems inside and was pleased to see many people around me who were very strong," he said.

"My heart is only for Fulham Football Club. I try to give the experience to others, so we can work together. It's not possible to win alone.

"This summer was a very, very good experience. I grow when I have problems - I like difficulties and I progressed through the summer."

Sylvain Legwinski celebrates the fourth goal with Sean Davis
Legwinski celebrates the fourth goal with Sean Davis

Two-goal Sylvain Legwinski and referee Alan Wiley - who awarded three spot-kicks, two to Fulham - helped improve Tigana's mood.

"I'm very pleased, as we've never scored four goals in the Premiership," the Fulham boss said.

"I knew we could play like that as we played very well against Bologna (in Tuesday's 2-2 draw).

"We played very well but must now forget that and focus on the next game.

"This was a fantastic start. Now we have two very important games, at Middlesbrough on Saturday and then Bologna at home."

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce was critical of his side's defending and said he plans to sign two new players to improve his squad.

"I hope it's a great big kick up the backside - and that the reality has hit home straight away," he said.


Fulham and us were miles apart - we found ourselves wanting
Sam Allardyce

"Any less commitment than last year won't be accepted. We can't perform to that level again if we want to get results.

"I'm still two players short for my squad - we've got to make sure we've got strength in depth to cover injuries.

"Fulham and us were miles apart - we found ourselves wanting.

"Our defending was woeful. Players sold themselves and went to ground - and you shouldn't do that, you should stay on your feet.

"We got off to a great start and had a great platform - but we didn't make their keeper make a save and only scored from a penalty.

"It was three basic errors, costing us two penalties and the third goal."

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