Last February, Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace on a Monday night seemed a million miles away.
With just three wins from 17 in the Premier League, the pressure was mounting on then-manager Roy Hodgson.
Fans became disillusioned with banners attacking the club’s direction and ownership during matches. Heavy losses to Arsenal and arch-rivals Brighton have left supporters fearful that a season that initially felt like a holding pattern may be derailed on their way to the Championship.
But within a matter of weeks, Oliver Glasner had regrouped and energized his support base and instilled a clear vision of play. This is in stark contrast to the Manchester United side whose side were dismantled on a memorable night at Selhurst Park.
Perhaps no one is more rejuvenated than the Frenchman, who three years ago endured a sometimes anonymous ordeal to score just 11 goals in the Premier League.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is a striker who was reborn under Glasner. His nine goals in 11 games for Austria have kept Palace out of any danger and fans are now drooling over a bright future.
It was a remarkable transformation for a player who only featured in six Premier League games last season. Earlier this week he won Palace’s Player of the Season award and was jointly voted as the club’s Player of the Season with team-mate Joachim Andersen.
“I’m a guy who likes to have fun, and that’s what people get from me in the dressing room,” he said. sky sports Ahead of the trip to Wolves this weekend. “(Eberechi) As you can see, Eze dances like a crazy person!
“Sometimes it’s easier. When Eze dribbles past two or three players – (Michael) Olise too – and they spot me and I can score with the first touch. It’s really fun to play with those two guys.”
Mateta scored in each of Glasner’s first six home games. He sent the fans at Selhurst Park into a frenzy with his now trademark celebrations.
The former Mainz striker’s form has been so impressive that only Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak have scored more league goals than the Palace frontman since Glassner took charge in south-east London.
Palace have been hampered for much of the season without creative wizards Eze and Olise. Eze has missed 11 games this season due to injury, while Olise has missed even more.
Palace’s win percentage this Premier League campaign was 71% when the pair started. Compare that to 17% if both were gone.
Eze made his England debut last summer and will have ambitions to further his international qualifications this season. He suffered an injury at a crucial moment, forcing him to sit out two matches.
However, the recent confirmation by UEFA that 26 players can be named for this summer’s European Championships has given the former QPR midfielder hope that he will be able to board a flight to Germany.
He says: “It would be a huge honor and privilege to be selected. Of course my family would be proud, but I try not to think about it too much and it takes me out of the present moment of playing Wolves this weekend.
“I try not to think about (the England team) and enjoy being on the pitch. That’s my main focus and what I do here. That’s what will put me in the best position for the summer. I’m not.” Focus on that and learn as much as you can from your manager, that’s all.
“There’s a lot of talent here. So many great players, so many players who will grow into amazing players. We’re enjoying playing together, we’re connecting more and more as a team, and that will continue as long as we’re together. Be sure to have a great time .”
In his previous role at Eintracht Frankfurt, Glasner led the German side to the Europa League crown, beating West Ham and Rangers in the process.
If the core of this young and exciting group can be kept together, there is quiet optimism that Palace could be in contention for European football in the coming years.
Watch the full interview between Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta. soccer saturday pre match Starting at 11 a.m. this Saturday.
