‘My toughest time ever...’
BOO BOYS BOTHERING ROY
CRYSTAL PALACE boss Roy Hodgson said he’s enduring “the toughest period of his career” because of the backlash shown by supporters in recent weeks.
Heavy defeats to Arsenal and most recently Brighton have sparked outrage amongst the Palace faithful.
Following the 5-0 loss at The Emirates, Palace’s away supporters unfurled a banner which called for more ambition, and they were also visibly irate after the 4-1 drubbing at the Amex, with defender Joachim Andersen confronting the disgruntled away fans at the end of the game.
Supporters were also unhappy with the injury management of key man Michael Olise.
Hodgson defended his decision to bring on Olise, who had just recovered from a previous injury, and dismissed claims that there is a rift between him and the medical department.
Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and
Cheick Doucoure are also sidelined, meaning Hodgson has to steady the ship without, as he said, his “four most important players.”
When asked if it’s the toughest period he’s encountered as a coach, he said: “It’s the toughest period in my career for one reason, and that is because the fans have turned so much against us and they’re the people that we cannot afford to have turned against us because we need them.
“We won’t be able to win games if the fans are going to be constantly up in arms about everything that’s happening.
“I would ask the fans to stay with their team, because if we’re going to do well, we need you and we particularly need you now because we are in a very weakened situation.”