Fulham boss Felix Magath is adamant that his side have to defend with better quality following their 3-1 defeat to relegation rivals Cardiff City.

A brace from defender Steve Caulker and an own goal from Sacha Riether put a huge dent in the survival hopes of the Cottagers with just nine games left this season.

Magath told BBC Sport: "It's not too good today but for us always a problem [when we concede]. Until the goal we played OK but one goal and the confidence is over.

"We have got nine games and 27 points to play for which is a lot but in our situation. We have to win our home games like Cardiff have done today.

"The only thing that can help us is a win next week against Newcastle. We will work in defending better. Yes [we can avoid relegation]."

Fulham are currently bottom of the Premier League.