Glasner highlights Kamada impact against Brighton and squad rotation

First-team

11 Feb 2025

Speaking in his pre-Manchester City press conference, manager Oliver Glasner was full of praise for Daichi Kamada and the team as a whole for their recent performances and adaptability amidst injuries, suspension and fixture congestion.

“I think he had an excellent game.” said the manager when discussing the Japan international.

“Not only did he force van Hecke’s red card, but also he had teammates which won the ball in the back line and passed to him. He solved it under pressure against [Carlos] Baleba with two touches and then found Eberechi Eze.

“Eberechi could drive the ball forward and create the transition. He [Kamada] was a link-up player and it's very important.

“He had many good situations, he was running a lot. I think the game, the response of the fans, the response of the team, helped him and his confidence. His self-confidence could increase. We could see it this week, he had a very good week in training.”

Kamada came into the side against Brighton in place of Nathaniel Clyne, allowing Jefferson Lerma to drop back into the back three. The No. 18 played alongside Adam Wharton in midfield, a role he has previously been deployed in this season.

“Will [Hughes] was out for a few games. He was out of training, not 100% in his rhythm. Jefferson we now need more in the back three, with the several issues we have [suspension and injuries].

“Adam also, we can see that maybe after 75 minutes he's running out of petrol! That’s normal when you're out for four months, therefore, it's very good to have him [Kamada] in midfield, it's very good to have Justin Devenny who does really well. They’re both great guys.

“I think, and it's what I told the players: we’ve won many games this season with different players who have contributed to every win. This is what gives us huge confidence in every single player in the team. We know we can rely on everyone if we are missing someone.

"Again, the longer the season lasts, the more you will miss players due to suspension or you’ll have to manage the minutes. It's good here that we can rely on each other.”

Lerma’s ability to slot into the defence, along with Kamada’s versatility to play in midfield or in a more advanced role, has allowed the manager to tinker with the side when required - knowing he can depend on those he brings in to different positions.

“It's quite easy: if you want to play, you have to be better than the other one. It's not so difficult.

“I think I’ve been asked quite often about Romain [Esse] and about Matheus [França]. You see all our attackers doing well, then you have to wait for the moment.

“Eddie [Nketiah] has scored many goals, three or four goals in the last weeks. He showed this when we were missing JP, but he can help.

“Matheus scored an important goal against Southampton. Then they’re waiting, because it's about competition. This is what we need to push each other to the next level.

“It’s the same in the midfield. I think Jefferson and Will did excellent for weeks and months on end. Then we missed Will. Then Adam was back. Now we needed Jeff in the back and Daichi was here to step in.

“This was really very positive, but also this is what we need, we know we can't play the Premier League season and the cup competitions with just 11 players.”

Competition for places and a player’s willingness to step up go hand in hand, with Glasner going on to signify the importance of his backroom staff in getting the confidence and desire from his players to perform on the pitch.

“I think what they're feeling, and this is what we're really always looking at, is that every single player gets the same support. We really admire the whole staff and the great staff here.

“They’re working with every single player like he's a starter. We don't split into starters or non-starters. Of course, the day after the game we have to, but during the week we're demanding the same effort from every single player.

“If we see that a starter trains with 80 percent, he will hear that we're not really pleased with this. We also do individual video sessions with them, you see everybody really tries to support them. This is the only thing we can do, we can do nothing for the players they have to do it themselves.

“But they can 100% count on us to support them in every single situation. The only thing we demand is that they always give their best effort in every single training session. I think this is what they are doing and they feel this confidence. It maybe helps that we have a very competitive group.”

Match details

Saturday, 12th April
12:30 BST
Etihad Stadium
Live audio commentary on Palace TV+

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