Crystal Palace manager Olivier Glaston attended Friday's pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League fixture against Manchester City. He provided updates on injured players and new signing Axel Disasi, discussed Mateta's future amid external interest, and addressed the team's reaction to last weekend's defeat to Everton. Glaston also evaluated the challenges posed by Erling Haaland and Manchester City under Enzo Maresca's management, reflected on his first official match in charge at Selhurst Park, discussed player management during the transfer window, and outlined his expectations for Friday night's atmosphere.

How are the injured players recovering?

He's still training individually due to a painful groin injury and didn't train with the squad today. However, we'll prepare him based on his recovery progress. I initially thought he'd recover faster, but I'm not a doctor, so I can only wait and help him get ready to return to the team.

How is Riad progressing? Have scan results come back?

We still need to get another opinion from a specialist, as it's difficult to give a precise recovery timeline for this type of injury. I prefer to wait first, then announce the official conclusion to everyone.

Can he play against Manchester City on Friday?

No, that's not possible.

What have you learned about the team following last weekend's defeat to Everton?

The players are very frustrated, and I understand that completely. They know exactly what happened in the match, especially since everyone thought we should have scored in the first half. If we had, things might have been different. But football isn't just about deserving to win or deserving to score—you have to convert chances into goals. It ultimately comes down to efficiency, and we weren't efficient enough. That's what decided the match. We need to improve our ability to create chances and convert them so we can improve moving forward.

You've repeatedly mentioned that Crystal Palace's fans were a major reason for joining the club. How much are you looking forward to your first official match at Selhurst Park?

I think it will be a wonderful moment, but I'd prefer to enjoy it properly at the end of the match with a positive result. So right now, I won't be thinking about myself. What matters most is the team and the result, because we've prepared all week hoping to make the fans happy. Of course, they'll be pleased to see us, but I think they'd prefer to see us win.

Disasi's signing was officially confirmed this week. Why did you decide to bring him in?

Now that it's officially confirmed, that's good news for us, especially given Sarr's injury. That's why we signed him. He joined quickly, but we had to wait a bit because, as I mentioned, negotiations were difficult. We eventually reached an agreement with him and his club. He's ready now and completed his first training session with us today. We'll see if he can play, since he hasn't featured in official matches yet this season. But he's a professional footballer who understands his responsibilities. We have the opportunity to give him time and help him integrate into the team.

What qualities do you appreciate in him?

Many. First, he can provide stability at this position to help the team, as we've had injuries and wanted to add depth. We might still need another player in this position, but we'll continue to monitor. Disasi can give us confidence and bring experience. He has the ability to play out from the back and can also operate in different defensive positions in a three-defender system. For us, he's a good option.

There have been many reports about Mateta in recent months, including a failed transfer to AC Milan in January and reports that he's questioned the validity of his contract. I know you recognize his contract and he's officially registered as a Crystal Palace player. Have you spoken to him? Is he happy? How do you view his situation?

I communicate with him every day. In front of me, he's a humorous person who's happy to be here. He's giving his all in every training session. I haven't seen any problems between him and the club. He started in our last match—if we had issues with him, he wouldn't have played. There's obviously something that needs to be resolved, but it's perhaps a personal matter for him rather than a problem with him as a player.

Is this situation easy to manage?

He obviously hasn't refused to play; he featured last weekend and has always had a contractual relationship with us. But it's clear something else is happening behind the scenes.

How should this be handled? Do you want him to stay after the transfer window closes?

I believe he'll stay. As I said, he's acting like someone who's happy here, wants to be here, and is ready to play for the team all season. So I understand your question, but I have no doubt about it.

I have a similar question about Sarr. Just before this interview, there were reports of strong interest from Liverpool. When a big club like Liverpool comes calling, isn't it inevitably difficult to keep a player?

I understand it's difficult for anyone receiving that kind of contact, as there's naturally some hesitation. But right now, he's still with us and under contract. As I said, he's currently injured, and you might connect his injury to the current situation, but in my opinion, he's being honest, and I have no problem with that. I've spoken to him this morning and yesterday. We just hope he can get back on the pitch and let others handle the rest.

Without listing all the names, will it be difficult to keep these good players you have?

As I just mentioned, Sarr and Mateta have both attracted clear specific attention, and I know other clubs are also interested in our other players.

Do you think Crystal Palace could lose some of these players and have to bring in replacements?

That's how football works now. When the transfer window opens, there's a lot of noise and activity around players. Some players struggle to handle it, as do their agents and families. Being inside the club during this period isn't particularly pleasant. But once the window closes, we need to focus on our performances and wait for all this to settle down.

Traduit par IA.

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