Under-pressure boss Martin Jol says Dimitar Berbatov “must come up with the goods” as stuttering Fulham look to turn their season around.
The 32-year-old Bulgarian has struggled to make an impact for the Whites this season, having scored just twice in all competitions so far.
He has recently been forced to adapt to a second-striker role following the arrival of on-loan Aston Villa forward Darren Bent.
And Jol, who has come in for criticism from frustrated fans, has admitted that Berbatov’s morale has been affected by the dip in form.
“Berbatov knows he’s an important player for us and he must come up with the goods,” said Jol.
“He should do better than he has done. He was always been someone who has scored one in every two or three games.
“He knows he will be the main person for criticism if we don’t get the result. It’s hot and cold – if we win everyone says he’s the best at the club. If not, they say he is strolling around the park.
“He knows how important he is but he’s had to do a different job for the team this season – he’s had to play in the ‘hole’.
“With the quality Bent has with his pace, his stretching of defences and playing off the shoulder, I thought playing them together could work and I still think it can, but sometimes you have to go for other options.
“It’s not easy to use him as a midfield player but he is one of my best players.”
Berbatov is expected to skipper Fulham against his former club Manchester United on Saturday, with injury ruling out club captain Brede Hangeland.
And Jol is convinced last season’s talisman can get back to his best.
The Dutchman said: “I have to cheer him up – and I will get him back to his best.
“He wants and needs more support from other players. He can’t do it on his own.
“He is a quiet guy but he is my second skipper because people look up to him . He leads by example.”
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This post was last modified on 02/11/2013