- Lacroix on Bournemouth defeat
- How fatigue is impacting the group
- Full focus on reaching the Conference League final
Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix spoke to PalaceTV following Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. It was a disappointing trip to the South Coast for Palace, whose focus is clearly away from the Premier League as they close in on what could be a significant end to the season in Europe.
Planned substitutes and heavy rotation led to a really poor game from Palace, who failed to threaten a Bournemouth side who are in the hunt for European qualification.
Despite claims from both Oliver Glasner and Chris Richards after the first leg against Fiorentina, it is clear that all of Palace’s eggs are firmly secured in the Conference League basket, with Palace two games away from potential continental glory.
Lacroix was one of the few starters at Bournemouth that can be proud of his performance, and he reflected on the game and the importance of it in his post-game interview.
Lacroix on Bournemouth loss
The focus on Europe was reflected in Lacroix’s post match comments, instantly referencing the lack of injuries from the game.
“No one is injured, first thing that is important, we have a big game on Thursday,” the French international stated.
“I want to say that the first half we were not in the game, but the second half we changed completely.”
Whilst the second period was a better display, it was borderline impossible for it to continue in the same vein as the first forty five minutes.
“I think it was better, with the runs, the intensity, so I’m happy because when you come here, it’s always hard to play against this type of team.”
Bournemouth had only lost twice at home in the Premier League going into this game, and are now on a run of fourteen games unbeaten in the top flight. Lacroix credited his side’s attitude going into the second half two goals down.
“Maybe some teams would say, ‘It’s finished, we don’t want to play anymore.’ But we showed another face and I was quite happy. The result is not good but we are now focused on the game [Thursday].”
Dealing with fatigue and European ambition
Palace have struggled to manage the heavy workload this season, and should they reach the final of the Conference League, they will play a club record 60 games in one season.
Glasner’s side have won just two of their league games following midweek action in Europe, demonstrating the impact that the additional games have had on the side.
“It was difficult [to deal with fatigue],” Lacroix said. “But, you know, we are football players, we play football. It’s beautiful to have games so, with how we play, we showed that we want to play with intensity so we have to be fresh.”
It’s fair to say that the demand is catching up to the players.
“Today I think we were not in the best level, but like I said, the game is now over and we want to look forward.”
Thursday night is the biggest game in Palace’s history. A huge chance to reach a European final, and a two goal cushion going into the game gives Palace a huge chance to progress.
“It’s easy [to focus], we have a final at the end of the way, we will play in London in our stadium in front of fans so I don’t think we need a lot of encouragement for this game. We will be ready, we have some days before the game so we will give everything to be at 100% and go to Leipzig.”
The character that this group of players has shown across Glasner’s time at Palace has been superb, and Lacroix was keen to express his pride in his teammates.
“I think everyone knows this group, it’s an unbelievable group, we have really good guys and mentality, so I think we want to write again [more history], we want to send the fans, all the supporters to Leipzig.”
Palace’s season started almost nine months ago with their Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad.
“It was a long journey, and now we are one step from the final, so now our head is on this game and we will give everything.”
