Crystal Palace manager, Oliver Glasner, expressed awe and admiration for the intensity his team displayed in the first half-hour of their 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Wednesday. This victory marked Palace’s third consecutive win, following their triumphs over Liverpool and West Ham. The team’s strong performance continued the impressive run of form they have been in.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored both goals for Palace in the second half, continuing his impressive personal form. However, it was the energy and relentless high press exhibited by his players in the opening 30 minutes that most impressed manager Glasner.
“The first 30 minutes, with the intensity we brought, I was really scared,” Glasner said. “That’s not a joke. I was scared if they continued playing like this, I’d need 10 substitutions. I couldn’t believe what I saw. I was really surprised we pressed them so high for such a long time. Newcastle didn’t get out of their half.”
Glasner praised his players for their performance, energy, intensity, and attacking style of play. He also highlighted the importance of the team’s newfound confidence and winning mentality.
“Now we go for four in a row. A very famous coach in Germany once said that after a game is always [also] before a game. Credit to the players today for the performance, the energy, the intensity, the offensive way of playing.”
“It’s a good feeling to have completed mission number one: staying in the Premier League mathematically.”
Glasner also spoke about the team’s aspirations for the future and expressed his hope that the players would continue to embrace the winning mentality.
“I hope that the players get addicted to winning games, to this feeling and this emotion. I have to thank the players for the trust they gave us from day one, because we changed many things. They always listen.”
