Danny Murphy: Felix Magath gave ‘masterclass’ in how not to run a club

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/22/felix-magath-something-give-english-football-fulham

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The former Fulham captain Danny Murphy says all Felix Magath has to offer English football is a masterclass in how not to run a club.

Magath was dismissed at Craven Cottage last week after a desperate start to the Championship season which sees them at the foot of the table with one point from eight games.

Magath said: “I don’t feel remorse towards anyone. I don’t mean to sound big-headed but I am still convinced that German qualities could do English football a lot of good. Sadly people aren’t inclined to be very open.”

But Murphy has hit back, saying: “All he has to offer is to show other people how not to do it.”

Magath’s methods have come under fierce criticism from former players, notably Brede Hangeland who was once told by the veteran coach to treat a leg injury by rubbing cheese on to the sore area. Murphy, a team-mate of the Norwegian defender for almost five years, revealed an even more bizarre twist to the unorthodox treatment.

“I texted Brede to ask if it was true,” he said. “Brede told me it was, and that the cheese had to be soaked in alcohol, and that he was told to phone his mother because it would help to speak to someone who loves him while the cheese is working!”

Magath said of the Hangeland reports: “I merely suggested it could be worth trying the old wives’ tale of applying quark to the injured area. I would never tell a doctor what to do.”

Murphy added of the German: “It’s sad that a club as stable as Fulham is now in such a world of trouble. It was a mistake to keep him in charge after they were relegated. The players I spoke to were desperate to get out because of him.”

Murphy has expressed an interest in taking the Fulham job, although he has not applied for it and as yet has had no contact with the Craven Cottage hierarchy.

In the meantime Kit Symons took charge for Saturday’s home game with Blackburn Rovers, which they lost 1-0, and will also be in the dugout for Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup third-round clash with Doncaster.

“Kit’s a very good coach,” Murphy said. “He took over on Saturday and although they lost there were a few more smiles on people’s faces. It’s important they get a win against Doncaster to create some confidence.”