OLIVER GLASNER FINDS THE SILVER LINING FOR ADAM WHARTON
Oliver Glasner on Adam Wharton's England snub, the latest on Will Hughes' injury, and a preview of the Premier League clash with Everton as the Eagles aim to extend their 19-game unbeaten streak.
Oliver Glasner, the manager of Crystal Palace, believes that Adam Wharton's exclusion from the England team may perhaps be a good thing.
Thomas Tuchel's 24-man squad for the forthcoming October internationals against Wales and Latvia did not include the 21-year-old midfielder.
Wharton was originally scheduled to play in last month's World Cup qualifying matches against Serbia and Andorra, but he was forced to withdraw due to an adductor injury.
Glasner, however, thinks the Eagles, who set a club record 19-match undefeated streak with a 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev in their Conference League opening on Thursday night in Lublin, will probably benefit from a little more recuperation time during the international break.
In an interview that was shown on Sky Sports News, Glasner stated, "I just heard his (Tuchel's) explanation."
He stated that he wants to continue with the team that did so well, particularly in Serbia, and that we must accept it as usual.
After that, we attempt our best, which will give Adam several days to relax, which is also beneficial to him.
"Let's see, we have a lot of games to play and a very strict schedule."
Following their thrilling victory against champions Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend, Palace will return to domestic play on Sunday against Everton.
After scoring a goal in stoppage time at Selhurst Park, Eddie Nketiah came off the bench to score a second-half goal against Dynamo that put the Ukrainians out of the running in the European match.
Nketiah insisted Glasner's FA Cup winners wouldn't be getting ahead of themselves. He had previously had a good finish disallowed just before his goal on the hour.
According to Nketiah on Palace TV, "We just go game by game."
It goes without saying that we have established a really positive atmosphere in the dressing room. Everyone wants to play, everyone wants to win, and everyone just wants to participate.
"We are just going to keep doing that because we are not really looking at the numbers; instead, we are looking at each game individually and trying to accumulate as many points as we can in both competitions."
Will Hughes, a midfielder, will be watched before the trip to Merseyside after being substituted out early in the second half due to a dead leg against Dynamo.
"Every player returned from Poland in good health. Glasner, who was quoted on the Palace website on Friday, stated, "There was just one little doubt mark over Will Hughes."
It's a little dubious since he suffered a knock to his quad, but he should be OK.
However, the excursion went exactly as planned, which is why we will work out in the afternoon. We're going to Liverpool tomorrow, so we'll be well-prepared.
CONOR GALLAGHER CONFIRMED AS "VITAL" STARTER FOR SPURS FOLLOWING BENTANCUR’S INJURY LAYOFF
Conor Gallagher proved the doubters wrong against Man City. Discover why his €40m move to Tottenham is finally paying off for Spurs.
Chelsea and Atletico Madrid both decided Conor Gallagher wasn’t worth the trouble. At Chelsea, he had his moments—Pochettino liked him, but the fans never really warmed up. When Chelsea shipped him off to Atletico, it made sense. Enzo Fernandez stepped up, took over Gallagher’s role, and fit in perfectly next to Caicedo, with Cole Palmer adding that extra spark up front.
Things didn’t get much better for Gallagher in Spain. He barely got a chance at Atleti, lost his spot in the starting eleven, and pretty much ended up on the transfer list before anyone had time to blink. Interest was lukewarm at best until the winter window rolled around. Aston Villa wanted him and went after him pretty aggressively, but then Tottenham swooped in late. Spurs needed someone to patch up the midfield after Bentancur’s injury, so they just paid up—40 million euros, no hesitation.
His start at Tottenham? Rough. Honestly, that was to be expected. He’d played well at Palace before, but after his struggles at Atleti, he needed time to adjust. Sitting on the bench in Spain didn’t do him any favours.
Then Gallagher showed up. People doubted whether he could really add creativity and move the ball forward for Spurs, so his early struggles got people worried. But then came the 2-2 draw against Manchester City. He suddenly looked like the player both Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank were so desperate to sign.
Against City, Gallagher flipped the script. He set up a crucial assist, drove play forward on the dribble, and kept drawing fouls—everything the Spurs needed. Defensively, he was all over the place in a good way: two tackles, three interceptions, a full 90 minutes, and a huge part of the Spurs clawing their way back into the game.
Tottenham fans loved it. They saw the effort, the attitude, and the hunger to win. Gallagher just wouldn’t quit, and in that second half, he, Xavi Simons, Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie, and Dominic Solanke ran the show. Four of those guys have been carrying Spurs lately, so Gallagher is fitting right in with them. That’s a pretty good sign he’s going to work out just fine in North London.
AC MILAN MEDICAL FAILURE: THE HIDDEN KNEE INJURY THAT CRUSHED MATETA’S £30M MOVE
Jean-Philippe Mateta's £30m move to AC Milan is OFF. Discover why a failed medical has put his France World Cup dreams in jeopardy.