Former Charlton manager Jose Riga has urged fans to give Karel Fraeye a chance.

Riga, 58, had the current Addicks interim boss as his assistant during his two-month spell at the Valley - and the pair guided the club to safety.

Fraeye has won two of his first five games, but supporters have yet to rally behind him fully, preferring to chant for coach Jason Euell.

However, Riga, who faced the same challenges last year as Fraeye does now - avoiding relegation - wants fans to support him.

The Metz manager told News Shopper: “The first thing he needs to do to stop the boos and songs is to get results on the board - that’s how it worked out well for me.

“Supporting the club means supporting Karel - people have to give him a chance.

“During my time at Charlton, we got good results immediately, the way we played was nice and the confidence that flowed through the players, everything was there.

“I know that when I arrived, the fans didn't know me but when I left, they wanted me to stay.

“I remember before my first game Alex Dyer said ‘it might be difficult because the fans are sad about Chris Powell’ and I replied as a joke ‘that won’t be a problem - I don't understand English!’

“This is why I liked it in England because the fans were sad and crying about the previous manager and sang songs for him but at the end of the game, they were in my favour.

“It’s because they are spontaneous, they love football and give and take a lot.”

Riga was surprisingly let go at the Valley in May 2014 after Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet opted to appoint Bob Peeters.

Since then, the Belgian, who is still popular among Addicks, had stints at Blackpool and Standard Liege - before taking the reins at Metz, now chasing promotion from Ligue 2 in France.

Riga insists that Fraeye is “not stupid” and praised him when they were together in SE7.

News Shopper: Jose Riga (left) and assistant Karel Fraeye. Picture by Keith Gillard.

Jose Riga and Karel Fraeye

He said: “I had a good relationship with Karel even though I didn't know him personally before coming to Charlton.

“We shared our thoughts a lot because I got a good feeling from him. Like me, he was impressed by the quality of the Championship and by Charlton.

“It was a very nice experience and interesting to share my opinion with Karel about the way I see things - most of the time I was asking for his opinion, too.

“Now, he’s back and he knows the club so that can only be a positive.

“I am sure he will do his best - he’s not stupid, he knows that Charlton are incredible and will need all his attention.

“The main thing is that he loves the club and wants to do well - if he will succeed or not, I don’t know as I can’t read into the future.

“We are both so busy with our clubs but we still stay in touch because of the strong relationship we built in England.”

Don't miss another Riga exclusive tomorrow on Duchatelet, Meire and his Valley exit.