Fulham boss Martin Jol has expressed his belief that the FA Cup is still the best competition in the world following his side's 4-0 win over Charlton in the third round.
Clint Dempsey's hattrick, coupled with a late goal from Damien Duff, gave Jol's side a one-sided scoreline that was perhaps harsh on League One leaders Charlton.
"In hindsight 4-0 is a very good result, especially if you see the other results," the Fulham boss said.
"We knew before the game they have got a very good side with a good mentality.
"They win games and make a habit of that. They had two defeats in 24 games and that showed in the first 15 minutes of the second half."
Jol noted that the FA Cup is still a very special competition for him despite the declining prestige of the tournament.
"I wasn't here for the last four or five years but I still think the FA Cup is the best competition in the world," the former Tottenham manager added.
"I told the players that and maybe they think differently, but I don't think so. For a club like Fulham, maybe you can discuss about [the importance of] the Carling Cup but the FA Cup for me is not sacred, but it is one of the best competitions.
"The only thing that is amazing is I looked at Birmingham versus Wolves, for example, and I said to Ray Lewington 'I thought it would be a sellout?' Even when I played it was a sellout and it was the same when I was at Spurs."
Fulham currently sit in 14th place in the league, level on points with Aston Villa and Swansea.
Barney Corkhill
