De Boer clinging on to Palace job ahead of Burnley trip

WITH zero wins and not a single goal from three games, now is not the time for being dogmatic.

Instead, Frank de Boer (pix) is willing to be pragmatic and is preparing to compromise on his deeply-entrenched coaching values by ditching the 3-4-3 formation that Crystal Palace players have struggled to adapt to.

De Boer is understood to be focused on Burnley away next Sunday, a game where his job is on the line, though he has been given no assurances that he will even last that long by a board that are ready to pull the trigger and have already sent out the feelers to potential replacements.

The Dutchman has endured a torrid start to his time in south London, losing all three Premier League games and two particularly damaging fixtures at home to sides expected to battle relegation.

It is no secret that members of the Palace hierarchy have been deeply unimpressed by the former Ajax and Inter Milan boss’ start to life at Selhurst Park. Similarly, De Boer is aware of the reports swirling about his future but more aware that he simply needs to win.

His players have failed to fit in the new system, but have looked far more comfortable when reverting to a 4-3-3 during games, and De Boer is understood to see that as the way forward if he is in charge for the Eagles’ trip to Turf Moor.

A switch in shape would, it is hoped, bring out the best in some of last season’s key players that have underperformed so far this season, including blue-chip midfielder Yohan Cabaye and January arrival Luka Milivojevic.

Yet this will depend on De Boer’s ability to transmit his message to the players and show a more human side, with some players feeling that the Dutch coach is a little cold. – The Independent