Roy: Wilf still eyes his dream
WILFRIED ZAHA may have missed out on a big move again but Crystal Palace chief Roy Hodgson believes he still dreams of re-joining an elite club.
The winger, who is out of tomorrow’s trip to Leeds with a hamstring injury, left Palace for a short-lived spell at Manchester United and then re-signed for the Eagles.
But he has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football.
Another transfer window has passed without a move to satisfy that, but Hodgson admits it could well happen next summer.
The ex-England coach, in his fourth year at Palace, said; “No, I think he still has a lot of ambition. This was an unusual transfer window; there wasn’t much going on or many big-money moves, mostly loans.
“When the market opens up again Wilf will once again be a name on the lips of many managers and sports directors. Wilf will retain his ambition to play Champions League football and do things we’ve not been able to give him.
“I believe the club will try to persuade him he can get what he wants here but I don’t know how that will pan out. He’s good enough to play for other clubs, although I’d really like to keep him as he’s so important to us, the fans and everyone at the club.
“But when the transfer window comes around, we’ll be waiting and wondering what the outcome will be.
“He had it once but it came a bit early, at United, but he’ll have learned from that and he has the ability.
“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. A lot will depend when they come, how he perceives the offers.”
Having secured backto-back wins for only the second time this term, Palace head to Leeds with confidence.
But while Hodgson has admiration for Elland Road counterpart Marcelo Bielsa, he is adamant the Argentine’s much-lauded attacking approach is hardly ground-breaking.
The ex-Liverpool and Fulham boss, 73, went on: “The reputation forged is one he’s earned. He’s not been given anything for free.
“I have huge respect for him and his team. They’re hard to beat and very enjoyable to watch. I understand why people say such good things about him. But it’s not magic.
“People try to suggest there’s some sort of magic involved but a lot of it is about the 11 players on the field and what they’re capable of.”