Hodgson Discusses Team Status, Chelsea Match, and Key Players
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Roy Hodgson shared insights during his pre-Chelsea press conference, immediately following Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last week. Ahead of their clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Hodgson touched upon the game, early team updates, and pivotal figures in his squad.
Team News Ahead of Chelsea: Hodgson expressed uncertainty about the availability of certain players. He mentioned that Sam Johnstone and Odsonne Edouard might not be ready, though replacements have been performing well. Despite potential absences, he acknowledged the current form of Dean Henderson and Jean-Philippe Mateta. He also ruled out Cheick Doucouré, Rob Holding, and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, but hinted at the squad returning to its intended composition.
Chelsea’s Threat: Hodgson acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Chelsea, emphasizing their talented squad. He speculated that some players might be finding their stride, and facing such a well-funded club meant anticipating top-level performances. Hodgson expressed confidence in his team, citing their recent strong showings against European competition, and anticipated giving Chelsea a tough match.
Chelsea’s Injury Troubles: Reflecting on injury challenges, Hodgson empathized with managers dealing with setbacks. He highlighted the importance of squad depth, especially for teams competing in multiple competitions. Recognizing the difficulty in fielding the ideal lineup during injury spells, he emphasized the necessity of large squads, especially for clubs engaged in European football.
Michael Olise: Hodgson praised Michael Olise, emphasizing the need for a player with magic on the team. He noted Olise’s ability to excite the crowd and mentioned the positive atmosphere during the recent match against Brighton. Hodgson anticipated more thrilling moments for Crystal Palace with players like Olise and Eberechi Eze.
Marc Guéhi – A Former Chelsea Player: Hodgson spoke highly of Marc Guéhi, a former Chelsea player now with Crystal Palace. While unsure of Chelsea’s sentiments, he expressed the team’s admiration for Guéhi’s outstanding abilities. Hodgson underscored the collective threat posed by players like Guéhi, Andersen, Eze, Olise, Edouard, and Mateta, envisioning success for Crystal Palace at the end of the season.
