Glasner: It was a great team effort and a deserved win

First-team

31 Oct 2024

Manager Oliver Glasner was full of praise for his side after their win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup fourth round, highlighting key areas where the team did well to overcome difficult situations.

“Congrats to the team again for winning here at Villa with all the circumstances,” said the manager when assessing the game.

“It started quite well into the game with taking the lead, and then we had to make two subs within 25 minutes due to injuries.

“And it was difficult, because also then managing the game, we had just one more window for subs and we could see, to be honest, that the Tottenham game was still a little bit in the legs of the players, so we were not that fresh, but this is what we all expected.

“Then it was a great effort, where we scored a fantastic second goal, where it was in high press – winning the ball at the edge of the box. And Daichi [scored], I was pleased for him that he scored this goal.

“And then with a lot of passion and desire, we defended the lead. We didn't give Villa many opportunities to score and so we are really happy to reach the quarter-finals.”

With the game coming so quickly off the back of the 1-0 win over Spurs in the Premier League on Sunday, the manager attributed some positives and negative spillovers from that game into this one.

“It helped us, of course, in getting our confidence back. I think maybe some players invested more than 100 percent [against Spurs]. From the intense runs, we were at the top of the Premier League, and this is the highest ever in Crystal Palace history.

“The players felt it in their legs, but then, if the legs are getting tired, you need your mind - and the mindset was brilliant. It was a great team effort and in the end, I think we deserved this win.”

With Ebere Eze and Adam Wharton both going off early on, the manager offered an update on the pair, saying: “Ebs, we don't know exactly. He had problems with his hamstring, so let's see how it is.

“And Adam, he felt his groin issues again. He has been dealing with this for many weeks or months now. We spoke yesterday and he said: 'no, I'm fine and I can play.'

“During the game, the pain got worse and worse and so that's why we had to take him off. But I'm positive that Adam will be available for the Wolves game. Ebs, well, let's see.”

Finally, the manager concluded his chat with Palace TV by offering a lot of praise for game winner Daichi Kamada.

“It was difficult for him, you know, starting as a No. 10, replacing Ebs. Then after 50 minutes, going back to play as the No. 6. And also maybe he was a little bit unfortunate because he lost the ball before the equaliser.

“Sometimes he wants it a little bit too much. It looks from here when he presses, where there's no position to press. And I told him at half-time to stay calm and score the game winner - and he did it in a fantastic way.

“I know this is his strength, winning the ball high with his aggressiveness and also having this finish from the edge of the box, so I'm very delighted for him personally, because I know this will help him in gaining confidence. And then, of course, I'm delighted for all of us because it was the game winner.”

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