- Oliver Glasner on Crystal Palace loss to Bournemouth
- Eagles eyeing Jean-Philippe Mateta replacement
- West Bromwich Albion keen on permanent Danny Imray deal
Crystal Palace’s lack of depth was clear to see in a dissapointing 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday. It came in controversial fashion, though, as the Cherries were awarded a soft penalty.
Oliver Glasner’s men arrived at the Vitality Stadium fresh off the back of another famous European night. A 3-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk has put the Eagles within touching distance of the UEFA Conference League final.
But Palace were poor on the South Coast, first conceding a Jefferson Lerma own goal against his former club. Dean Henderson then gave away a contentious penalty which was converted by Junior Kroupi before Rayan struck a third late on.
Glasner’s Wedding Vow
Glasner gave one of the best lines of his reign at Selhurst Park when he spoke after the defeat to Bournemouth. He compared the situation his players found themselves in to that of an upcoming wedding:
“Let’s say you have a friend’s birthday and your wedding is a few days later. You are more excited for the wedding. This is the same.”
It’s hard to disagree with that statement because the big occasion for the South Londoners is on Thursday (May 7th). They host Shakhtar in the second leg of the Conference League semi-finals and all of the focus is now on European glory.
Palace Eye Mateta Replacement
Jean-Philippe Mateta has returned to action for Palace since failing a medical ahead of a proposed move to AC Milan. But the French striker is still expected to move on this summer as he’ll have just a year left on his contract.
Reports claim that the Eagles are eyeing AJ Auxerre’s Lassine Sinayoko as a replacement. The Malian has caught the eye at both club and international level this season.
There’s no word on how much Sinayoko might cost but he seems to be a genuine target. He’s scored nine goals and provided four assists for Auxerre throughout the campaign.
West Brom Want Imray
Another Palace player whose future is uncertain is Danny Imray after returning from West Bromwich Albion. The English right-back spent the second half of the season on loan with the Baggies.
Reports claim that James Morrison wants to sign Imray permanently and that he is one of the Championship club’s ‘top targets.’ But a decision over a potential sale won’t come until Glasner is replaced in the summer.
Imray bid farewell to the Hawthorns on the weekend and said he loved his time with the club. They seem keen to bring him back.
