Meulensteen is the latest Premier League manager to fall victim to clubs making rash decisions in fear of relegation. Reports suggest Meulensteen has not been sacked despite initial beliefs but is now to become part of newly installed manager Felix Magath's back room staff. Magath becomes the Premier League's first German manager, but knows he has it all to do if Fulham are to survive.
Both fans and critics are questioning Fulham's lack of faith in Meulensteen and are left wondering if replacing him was the best way to secure survival. Meulsensteen was appointed at a time were Fulham desperately needed to see a change in results, but the former assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson did not do enough to convince new owner Shahid Khan that he was the right man to avoid relegation.
Meulensteen is just another name to be added to the growing trend of firing managers before they are really given a chance. Admittedly, time is not on Fulham's hands as they sit bottom of the table but is sacking a manager who has hardly any time to change things the right idea?
A huge criticism of the Fulham board is why the sanctioned a number of transfers, including their second most expensive signing of Greek striker Kostas Mitroglou, that Meulensteen believed could ensure survival if they were going to sack him shortly after. The signings that Fulham have brought in may not suit Magath's plans for the club and could represent a major loss of money.
Meulensteen was given no time at all to integrate his new signings and work with his improved squad. Furthermore, although there has not been a win in 7 games for the Cottagers, there has been a steady improvement in performances, most notably earning a draw away at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
Felix Magath comes into Fulham with a successful yet controversial history in German football. A man known for pushing his players to the extreme in order to get results and having "ridiculous training methods" as Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness puts it.
However, this tough stance that pushes players to the limit could be exactly what Fulham need if they are going to beat the drop. At times looked sluggish and a shadow Fulham of recent years, Magath could well rejuvenate the squad and ensure their survival.
Known to not be beloved by former players he has coached, Magath does bring top level experience to Fulham, something that could be the key to survival. Former manager of Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg and Schalke, Magath created history at Bayern by being the first manager in their history to win the double for back to back seasons, but also brought the league title to Wolfsburg for the first time in their history while in charge.
Although many will feel Meulsensteen's sacking was premature, harsh and a rash decision, Fulham do need a quick fix if they are going to beat the drop. Magath brings experience and his methods will reinvigorate the players, but could this be a decision motivated purely by panic and desperation? If so, there has been countless times when decisions motivated by these reasons have backfired. Time will soon tell if Magath has what it takes to keep Fulham in the Premier League.
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