It is Crystal clear Hodgson wants Palace to show more passion

NEW Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson wants to see his players show character and desire during his first game in charge against Southampton.

The former England boss took over at Selhurst Park on Tuesday following Frank de Boer’s sacking after just four games in charge.

The Dutchman had overseen four straight losses without the team scoring a goal when Palace’s owners decided they had seen enough. Hodgson said: “You are looking for character really.

“You are looking for desire, for people with enthusiasm, and you are looking for people who at least give the impression they are trying to do what the team wants them to do.

“I think we have a lot of work to do before I will feel confident every player fully understands with his role what I am looking for and what I want him to do. There is more work to do before that happens.”

Despite only taking over on Tuesday, Hodgson has been encouraged by what he has seen of his players so far.

He added: “I have seen signs the little few things we have done and the one or two things we have said have not been completely wasted on them.

“Most importantly of all I refer to those initial qualities - I want to see character, I want to see desire, I want to see enthusiasm, to see a team which shows the fans it cares.”

Hodgson was also encouraged by what he saw in Palace’s last Premier League game before he took over, despite it being a 1-0 loss at Burnley on Sunday.

He said: “The last one I watched very closely. I did not see too much lack of character or desire or fight in that game.”