Fulham boss Martin Jol denies that Rene Meulensteen's arrival at Craven Cottage has placed his own position in jeopardy.

Jol is under pressure following a run of four successive defeats in all competitions and the club sit in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League.

The Dutchman masterminded the recruitment of his compatriot, but there has been speculation that Meulensteen is Fulham's manager in waiting, ready to step in should the axe fall on Jol.

"You can always speculate on things. For me that is not an issue," Jol said.

"I know him well, for at least 25 years. He's been assistant to Alex Ferguson and Gus Hiddink. He's a very good coach.

"He was not a manager before so I think his qualities are on the training ground during the week.

"Maybe he has aspirations to manage, you'll have to ask him. But if you look at his CV, he's more of a head coach or assistant manager."

Meulensteen left Manchester United in the summer and Jol revealed it took three attempts to lure him to Fulham.

"I spoke to him in the summer because I knew they wanted to change their staff at Manchester United, but he decided to go to Anzhi Makhachkala," Jol said.

"Then we had a very good discussion with him when he left Anzhi and he had to make his mind up, but I think he had an offer from Germany. Then he decided to go to Qatar.

"Before he signed I texted him again and he texted back.

"It was coincidence because he said he wanted to come back to England. That was very surprising and I was very satisfied with that."