- Brennan Johnson ‘excited’ for Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina
- Welshman highlighted passionate fanbase
- The Eagles look to take advantage in tie
Brennan Johnson has talked up Crystal Palace fans becoming a 12th man in tonight’s game against Fiorentina. The Eagles’ European adventure continues at Selhurst Park.
Oliver Glasner’s men remain favourites to win the competition despite having to play the play-offs to reach the knockout stages. They beat Bosnian minnows Mostar across two legs before seeing off Cypriot outfit AEK Larnaca in the Round of 16.
Palace face a Fiorentina side who are struggling domestically and are without star man Moise Kean. But the Italians are still a tricky side, not least with former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea in goal.
‘A Massive Advantage’
Johnson has started three of four Europa Conference League games since arriving at Palace from Tottenham Hotspur in January. The Welshman assisted Evan Guessand in a 2-0 win over Mostar last month.
The 24-year-old is geared up for tonight’s game and looked ahead to the tie in the pre-match press conference (via the club’s website):
“Yeah, massively [excited]. I think looking back in players’ careers, moments like this don’t really happen too often – never mind twice within the space of a year. I feel really lucky to be at a club that’s been performing so well, and now it’s just about embracing the moment that we have, and giving everything we’ve got, because we know we’re in such a good position.”
Johnson highlighted the role the Selhurst Park faithful could play tonight:
“I think the home advantage is massive. Selhurst Park is an unbelievable stadium and it can generate a really good atmosphere. If we can play the way we want to, and get the crowd up for it, I think it’s a massive advantage, and hopefully we can take confidence from that to give us the best chance to get a great result.”
Palace, like Fiorentina without Kean, will not have their first-choice frontman leading the line tonight. Jorgen Strand Larsen is suspended, which means Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to start.
Johnson isn’t certain to start given Glasner has often preferred loanee Evan Guessand out on the left wing. It’s almost guaranteed Ismaila Sarr will play on the right and he’ll be looking to add to his tally of five goals in eight Conference League games.
Palace Team Spirit is ‘Special’
Johnson’s spell at Spurs ended tumultuously as the Lilywhites were dragged into a relegation battle. The mood at the club has been extremely low, but that’s not been the case at Palace.
Following a difficult winter period, there is huge positivity as a debut European campaign continues. This was touched on by the Welsh attacker:
“[I’ve been impressed with] just how tight the club is. I think the atmosphere here and the team spirit is something that I’ve never experienced before – literally anyone would do anything to get three points for each other!”
Johnson added:
“It’s really special, and I think also the quality is definitely very underrated here. There’s a lot of amazing players.”
Palace are in a comfortable position in the Premier League, which makes relegation almost ruled out. This allows Glasner to focus on winning the Conference League before bowing out in June.
Johnson will have a new manager next season. There’d be no better way to start a new era than with a European trophy.
