Richards seeks momentum heading into international break
Chris Richards says Crystal Palace are keen to sign off for the elongated international break with a win against Leeds United this afternoon.
The Eagles have won three of their last four matches in all competitions, and travel to Elland Road (14:00 BST kick-off) seeking three points in their last competitive fixture for three weeks.
The United States international was on target in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Lech Poznań in the Europa League – and now hopes to see the quality of that performance translate into the Premier League.
Richards told Premier League Productions: “Obviously, I wish we had more points, but it's the Premier League. It's the toughest league in the world for a reason. We have to keep our heads down and keep working hard.
“Regardless of if we had 12 points or whatever number, or the three points that we're on right now, I think the work still continues. For us, it’s just making sure that every day when we come out here to train, that we put in hard work and hopefully we'll continue to start seeing the benefits on the weekend.
“It's a very long season, so there's plenty of time. Like I said, ultimately, we wish we had more points, but we do understand that it's until May, so we have a lot of time left.
“We’re still a very optimistic group. We understand that we've had players come in at all times during pre-season. Post-World Cup, there was people coming in at different times. Also, with the transfer window, we saw different people coming in and out. So I think for us, it's just making sure that we continue to work hard.
“If we do and we stick together, we can be very successful. I think we've seen over the last few seasons, regardless of who we lost or who we gained, I think we've seen a group merge and do some really, really great things.
“We understand that there's still a lot of lads here who have been a part of those groups, and so that passion is still within this group, so it's just making sure that we find that.”
It sets the tone
—Chris Richards
Richards said of in-form Leeds, who are undefeated thus far in the league this season and sat third ahead of the latest round of fixtures: “I mean, they're a tough side.
“With the amount of Americans that they’ve had at Leeds over the last few years, it's definitely a team that I pay attention to, supporting my boy Brendan [Aaron].
“Last year, we played two tough games against them. Obviously, one didn't go our way and then the other one ended in a stalemate.
“It's just making sure that we can't go in there intimidated. They lace up their boots the same way as we do, so we’re just making sure that we go in there and try to take three points ahead of the international break.
“It sets the tone. Obviously, you don't want to go into an international break with anything except a win. It's a few weeks away from the squad.
“If you can go into the international break with a little bit of momentum, then it'll mean a lot for the season.”
Leeds United v Crystal Palace
- Sunday, 20th September
- 14:00 BST
- Premier League
- Elland Road
- Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.