Glasner on tactical considerations of new signings

First-team

19 Sep 2025

In the embargoed section of his pre-match press conference, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner discussed how options for tactically integrating the new players at his disposal – with an eye on Saturday’s Premier League clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium (20th September, 15:00 BST).

Palace make the short trip to East London on Saturday afternoon, as the Eagles look to extend their unbeaten run – already a club record as a top-flight club – to 17 matches in all competition.

On the other side, however, this weekend's fixture marks West Ham’s third consecutive home London derby at the start of the Premier League season, following earlier defeats to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Ahead of the derby clash, Glasner reflected on how Palace's new additions – Christantus Uche and Yeremy Pino – could fit into Palace’s attacking setup as the season progresses.

Quote Icons

We have to find the best solution... it's a little bit of compromise
—Oliver Glasner

Jean-Philippe Mateta has played every minute of the 2025/26 season so far for Palace. The striker led the line once again in the 4-2 penalty shootout victory over South London rivals Millwall in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

When asked whether he sees new signing Christantus Uche as a potential option to support, or play instead of, Mateta up front, Glasner noted: “Yes, he could be. He's also physical. He's an option that we are considering.”

Since completing his move from Villarreal, Yeremy Pino has featured in all three league games for which he’s been eligible — coming off the bench against Aston Villa, and starting against newly promoted Sunderland and South London neighbours Millwall.

Pino has been deployed on both on the left and right of the attack. When asked which position suits him better, Glasner replied: “I know what suits him better, but we have to make a few compromises at the moment.

"So, of course, it was more or less the plan to play him on the half-left, and Ismaïla [Sarr] on the half-right, but Ismaïla isn't here.

“We played Daichi [Kamada] up front. Daichi prefers to play one deeper, where he has had the best performances for us.

"But in these circumstances, then we tried at the beginning, Justin Devenny there, now Romain [Esse].

“And then it's always: ‘OK, what fits best for the team, with the players we have available?’ And then we said: ‘OK, we said starting with Daichi feels better on the half-left, starting Yeremy on the half-right.'

"But then Yeremy said he prefers playing on the half-left. Then we have to find the best solution.

"And again, now it's a little bit of a compromise, what we can see, honestly, in our time.

“But players are still hard-working, creating enough chances. Yeremy could have one of the best starts, play ahead, could have three goals easily. So now it's the same for him – it's important to stay patient.

“So, the word I say most to him is 'tranquilo' – calm.”

Match Details

West Ham United v Crystal Palace

Saturday, 20th September
15:00 BST
Premier League
London Stadium
Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.

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