Tigana eager to inject new blood at Fulham

Jean Tigana believes Fulham need fresh investment to stop their debut Premiership season falling apart.

The Frenchman, whose side go into tonight's game at lowly Derby positioned just above the relegation scramble, is being forced to reconsider his targets after failing in a reported late bid for Andy Cole, who moved to Blackburn from Manchester United.

"We played very well against Liverpool but lost much of our energy," Tigana said. "We paid for it against Tottenham when we had no legs because the players were very tired. That's why we need a big squad – and why the successful European teams have big squads. It's possible that I need to bring in one or two new players."

Tigana said that whatever the result, he rarely shouts at his players, and the defender Steve Finnan confirms that Tigana metes out the silent treatment after defeats. "When we don't win the manager doesn't say too much for a few days," he said.

Fulham continued their Premiership learning process in the 3-2 defeat by United, although they were again guilty of missing chances. Their manager will demand more of a cutting edge in front of goal at Pride Park, in a game which could also begin a revamp of the Cottagers' travel schedule for away matches. Fulham did not return to the capital until 2am after their visit to Liverpool on 12 December and Tigana wrote in the match programme for the United game: "That's not good after two big games, and then with another on the Saturday. It's possible I'll change this next time we have the situation. Maybe we'll stay in the hotel after the match as well as before, to allow the players more rest."

Fulham's £11.5m club-record signing Marlet finally scored his first goal for the side against United, following a two-month absence with a compressed fracture of his knee. He will now be hoping for a place in the starting line-up at Pride Park.

The midfielder Lee Clark faces at least another week on the sidelines because of the strained calf he sustained in the early stages of the 0-0 Boxing Day draw with Charlton.

For Derby, the Argentinian defender Horacio Carbonari is hoping to re-ignite his career with the club. Carbonari's first start of the campaign after a number of injury problems coincided with the club's first away win, at Blackburn, and the 30-year-old looks set to retain his place against Fulham.

He had been a fixture in the team following his £2.7m move from Rosario Central three years ago, but was injured in a pre-season friendly against Barcelona and struggled to recover. Now, however, he is returning to full fitness.

The Derby manager, Colin Todd, said: "He came through the Blackburn game well. He tired a bit towards the end, but it was important for him to stay on. Horacio was part of a team that won away and kept a clean sheet. That will do him a lot of good."

Carbonari added: "My fitness is getting better after being out for most of the season with either a groin or back problem. Now I just need more games and more training to be absolutely right."