Marco Silva, the Fulham manager, observes that Crystal Palace has shown continuous improvement under their new coach, Oliver Glasner, in anticipation of their Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage this Saturday.
Glasner’s team, the Eagles, have secured three consecutive victories leading up to their visit to west London. The Austrian manager, succeeding Roy Hodgson in February, notably clinched a 1-0 triumph at Anfield earlier this month, denting Liverpool’s title aspirations.
Speaking on Glasner’s impact at Palace, Silva said: “You can see them getting better and better and of course the impact from him (Glasner) was really good in the squad and the club.
“You can see from the outside it’s clear the confidence in the team is there and the way they play, react in moments of the game.
“They’ve had a very good reaction, they’re consistent in performances and results, the impact from the manager is clear and it’s there.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been in a prolific scoring form recently, with his brace in Palace’s 2-0 home victory over Newcastle taking his season’s tally to 11 goals. Silva acknowledged the attacking prowess of Mateta, Eberechi Eze, and Michael Olise, emphasizing the need for his team to remain vigilant.
He added: “We are aware of their threats in certain areas of the pitch and certain players as well. They have key players who we have to control in certain areas of the game. Palace are much stronger if they have Eze and Olise; they’re at a very good level.
“Mateta’s in very good form too. He’s linking with the two players in front of him, the connection he gets, he’s a player where you can go a little bit more direct and be a player to hold up the ball.
“He’s been crucial for them in many aspects of the game. He’s confident and can make an impact.”
Additionally, the experienced 35-year-old Willian, who joined Fulham on a one-year contract last season, is nearing the end of his tenure at the club.
Silva talked up the former Chelsea winger, admitting his wants him to stay beyond the summer. When asked if he wants Willian to stay, Silva said: “Yes, I will do my best to keep him at our football club.
“We are going to have a conversation at the end of the season. We’re going to analyse the season together and after he’s going to make a decision.
“He has had an exceptional career. He’s always there, he’s always professional.”
