Fulham’s third manager this season has his work cut out if he is going to lift them off the bottom of the Premier League

1) Improve the defence

Fulham opted to strengthen and revitalise their squad in January but decided to focus on midfield and attack rather than bolster the backline. It seemed a strange decision from the outset given that they have conceded 58 goals in 26 Premier League matches so far this season, by far the worst in the division, with an alarming goal difference of -32. Brede Hangeland’s absence through injury was a major hindrance and much now depends on Magath working with the Norwegian and new signing Jonny Heitinga on the training ground to form a solid central partnership. Dan Burn has shown promise but lacks the experience for a relegation battle, while the midfield needs to give greater protection to the back four.

2) Get the best out of Lewis Holtby

While defence is a priority, quality in midfield is also paramount. Holtby has that in abundance and was simply described as “class” by Rene Meulenseteen following the German’s arrival from Tottenham in January, on loan for the remainder of the campaign. However, Holtby’s relationship with Magath has never previously flourished. The midfielder was sent out on loan on two occasions during the duo’s time at Schalke, with Magath. Holtby, who has had four club managers this season, recently said: “I don’t have any fear. I have grown as a player and my time under Magath is already almost five years away. We are both in Fulham to reach one goal and that is staying up.”

3) Get the crowd on side

Meulensteen was critical of Fulham supporters following the team’s home defeat to Sheffield United in the fourth round of the FA Cup, urging them to back the team instead of getting on the players’ backs. In fairness to the Craven Cottage crowd, they had just witnessed an absolutely diabolical game of football and had seen their team to crash out of the Cup to League One opponents. However, their role will be vital between now and the end of the season. Craven Cottage has never exactly been a fortress of a stadium, but it is tightly-packed and Magath will need vociferous backing between now and May. If he can get the team winning that would be a start, given that supporters have had to endure some extremely poor performances under Martin Jol and Meulensteen. But equally, the crowd need to play their part.

4) Get Kostas Mitroglou firing

The Greek striker cut a forlorn figure during the Sheffield United defeat, watching on in the stands wrapped up in a shawl as the rain lashed off the Thames. One wonders what he must have thought as Hugo Rodallega wept on the bench having been booed off, but either way, the £12m signing from Olympiakos on deadline day must find form immediately to steer Fulham clear of the bottom three. He is set to make his first-team debut against West Brom on Saturday having impressed in the Under-21s and will need to hit the ground running.

5) Have autonomy over first-team affairs

Magath is renowned as a strict disciplinarian and a stickler for detail. Following a period at Fulham when it has appeared that too many cooks are spoiling the first-team broth, the German should have free reign to run the rule over his squad without any external interference. Alan Curbishley was brought in as technical director by the club’s chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, over Christmas, and although Meulensteen insisted the pair’s working relationship was cordial, there remained constant speculation that the former Charlton manager was being lined up for the post full time. There were also reports questioning Ray Wilkins suitably as assistant manager. All three have now departed and Magath has brought his own men in, which will surely help.

• Fulham

James Riach

theguardian.com