Crystal Palace Manager Oliver Glasner Discusses Eze’s Injury, Team Confidence, and Upcoming Arsenal Match

Oliver Glasner, the manager of Crystal Palace, addressed reporters ahead of the Premier League fixture on Saturday against Arsenal, scheduled for a 17:30 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press briefing: Glasner stated that “we have no one back yet,” noting that Eberechi Eze is among those absent from the Palace squad. Eze sustained a knock during the match against Brighton. He participated in Wednesday’s game against Arsenal despite having “quite a swollen foot,” meaning “he is not 100%.” Regarding the return of players for the demanding schedule of matches, Glasner commented: “The busy part of the Christmas fixtures is this week. Three games in six days. We then have five days until Bournemouth, one more game on the 29th and then one week to Chelsea.” Addressing the quick rematch against Arsenal following their Carabao Cup quarter-final, Glasner remarked: “We will go for getting a better result than two days ago at Emirates Stadium. We could see the quality of Arsenal, especially in the second half how quickly they can move the ball, make runs and how accurately they can pass through gaps.” Even with the loss, Glasner believed his team gained from the experience, stating: “We showed the players and talked about it. From these games against the top teams, you can learn a lot. Of course, it hurts when you lose and are out of the cup but its also a big chance to learn and improve. The best chance we can show it now is in three days. I don’t expect 30% improvement in those three days but a little bit and then we’re looking to get a better result.” Glasner expressed his desire for his players to exhibit a confident performance, saying: “You have to show it on the pitch. Confidence is also, when you take the lead, not to wait, but to go forward and try to score the second. We scored the first and then we got passive. Then we were 3-1 down, and all of a sudden we play much more forward again and we scored a second. Either we need the lead or being down, so why? Why not always play forward in the same way instead of cautiously – but that’s easy to say.” Regarding Crystal Palace’s intentions for the January transfer period, he stated: “We’re always talking about [recruitment]. Let’s see what happens. Of course we are analysing our squad, [seeing] where we can add some skills or where we have just one player in one position, but it’s who’s available and what makes sense. It’s not that we do something just to do something.”