#PLStories- Osian Roberts on Norwich victory, Joachim Andersen injury, Will Hughes and more #CRYFC
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Conor Gallagher
Good performance today?
It was a good day for us performance-wise and result wise, it was really important for us today. But especially on the back of the game on Sunday, coming back and playing at home, it was important that we had a good start to the game. And we had good energy. And of course, the early goal set us up nicely. But the important thing when you score early is that you build on that and you don’t go flat. And we managed to do that. And there was an excellent first half from us. And then there was a really professional performance, disciplined performance in the second half to see us through.
Will Conor Gallagher be okay for West Ham on Saturday and will Patrick be back for West Ham?
On Conor, we’ll have to just wait and see. I’m not sure exactly on that one, we’ll have to wait. And Patrick, he’s doing well. Obviously, he’s delighted with the result. We’re in constant dialogue with a good communication strategy to make sure that we’re able to follow his instructions during the game, as well as throughout the weekend. We’re just waiting day by day to see when he’ll be back at the training ground and back at the helm.
Intensity from Crystal Palace at home, where does it come from?
I’m not sure. Obviously, from the very beginning of the season, the relationship between the team and the fans has been pretty special. I think they’ve just bounced off each other. The supporters have been fantastic, and their support, and the way that they help the players perform at a high level. And likewise, I think what the players are, or how the players are performing on the pitch, is getting the best out of our supporters as well. But, you know, certainly, there’s a great atmosphere for every home game, it’s a special event for us. And at the moment it’s working very well and long may that continue.
What did you make of Will Hughes’ performance?
Everybody knows the quality that Will possesses. He came into the group at the beginning of the season but now is in a very good place physically. He’s becoming an important player for us at the heart of our midfield and we’re delighted with what we’re getting from him so far. I think there’s there’s even more to come as he gets used to the demands that are put upon him. I think he’s only going to get stronger and stronger as the season goes on.
Do you enjoy being on the touchline?
I don’t enjoy it at all because I want Patrick back in the technical area. And back here, you know, my role is to assist him and support him the best I possibly can. And, of course, as staff, we have a responsibility to do that. So we will always do that. My sole focus is on making sure that everything he wants to be done, we do it to the best of our ability. I miss him on a daily basis at work and can’t wait to get him back with us because it’s important for the staff and it’s important for the players. But in the meantime, we’ll do everything we can to get through this period.
Is Conor Gallagher injured or does he have Covid?
As I said there’s a combination of injuries and COVID and suspensions, meaning that players are out. But at this point in time, I’m not in a situation to be talking about individual players and disclosing any information that I’m not privy to anyway.
Pleased with the performance without Wilfried Zaha and Conor Gallagher?
We’re trying to work in a way that makes sure that we’re not too reliant on one or two players to be match-winners. For us, it’s important that everybody contributes both attacking wise and defensive wise. So I’m delighted that the other players stepped up today. Jean-Philippe Mateta in particular has been waiting patiently for his opportunity, but we’ve seen him score goals like that in training on a regular basis. So had his opportunity today to step in, and he’s taken it with both hands. So we’re delighted for him. That’s what we expect from players in the group. The group of players we have are a delight to work with – all working in the same direction. And I think that shows when they step in, that they’re in sync and they work for the team. We want to make sure that continues because that’s what we expect from everybody in the group. And they’ve all got a contribution to make but sometimes they’ll start games, sometimes it’s off the bench. You know, of course, everybody wants to start every game, we understand that. But the important thing is, whether it’s for 95 minutes or five minutes, everybody has an impact and makes an impact on the game.
Odsonne Edouard performance?
He’s an important player for us. As a forward player, he can play in many positions. That’s the first thing. He’s very adaptable, his movement is excellent, which is important for us, in terms of playing in pockets, but also being a threat in behind. His link-up play is very good. And of course, he scores goals. He’s an important player for us and we need that competition for places as well. During this period of time, we have less of that. But when everybody’s fit and healthy, you know, we’ve got good competition in all positions, and that we believe will bring the best out of every individual. Edouard’s performance today shows that he’s ready to compete for a starting position. And I thought his performance today was very good. And it was a big, big reason why we were three goals to the good in the first half.
Did Jean-Philippe Mateta deserve his goal?
Oh, absolutely. His training attitude has been very good. And he’s had to wait frustratingly for his opportunity – we understand that. But today he showed why he feels he can contribute more to the team. So we’re delighted for him about the way he went about his performance today. He scored a very good goal, which was important for us at that period in the game. But also he had a very important tactical responsibility defensively as well. And that was really important for us in the way that we were able to defend and, in the end, keep the clean sheet.
Joachim Andersen injury?
No, we don’t know any more about that yet. Obviously, the medical team will assess but he’s been coming in, in the last couple of weeks and getting back to full fitness and full training as it were. So, you know, like many others, I think, no doubt he felt the fatigue factor in the second half, you know, physically and mentally, but I was delighted that we were able to keep that clean sheet because that is also important for us in the way that we want to move forward thanks.
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