Magath admits Fulham missed Hangeland

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Fulham manager Felix Magath criticised his players’ defending after the defeat against Chelsea in the west London derby but said an injury to Brede Hangeland played a big part in the result.

The Whites captain was substituted just 15 minutes into the 3-1 loss at Craven Cottage after he appeared to clash heads with team-mate Kieran Richardson.

Fulham still managed to enjoy the better of a goalless opening 45 minutes but were hapless in the second half as Andre Schurrle smashed in a classy hat-trick.

Magath said: “I was satisfied with the first half. We had control of the game and we didn’t give Chelsea many chances while having two or three good situations ourselves.

“I don’t know what happened after half-time but it seems my players forgot how to defend and I think for us it was a very big problem that our captain was injured and wasn’t there in the second half.

“Our leader was missing – I think this was important. I don’t think we would make such mistakes with Brede there.

“He is the head of the team and last week we did very well with him. He is a very important player for us.

“So I think [conceding the first goal] was too difficult a situation for the team [to recover from] at the moment.”

Hangeland attempted to carry on despite the collision with Richardson, but was soon forced off and appeared dazed as he left the field clutching his head.

Magath added: “He is going to the hospital and we have to wait. I don’t know exactly how bad the injury of Brede is now but I hope he will come back and join us next week.

“But we have to work on defending in training, and we will, because I have seldom seen such a goal as the first today.

“Schurrle ran the entire length of the field and nobody tackled him. He ran 90 metres and scored without any contact. I have rarely seen this before.”

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