Palace Boss Glasner Teases Mateta-Larsen Strike Duo: 'Two Tall Lads in the Box? Why Not?'
Oliver Glasner hints at pairing strikers Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jorgen Strand Larsen for Crystal Palace after Mateta's frosty return from injury in their Conference League draw with AEK Larnaca. Despite boos from fans over his failed AC Milan move, Glasner backs the forward's commitment and eyes their height as a weapon. Daniel Munoz remains a doubt for Leeds with a shoulder knock.
Palace's Striker Soap Opera Heats Up
Picture this: a goalless draw at Selhurst Park against AEK Larnaca in the Conference League last-16 first leg, and the crowd's giving one of their own a proper Selhurst welcome – boos. Yeah, Jean-Philippe Mateta stepped off the bench for his first minutes in over six weeks, knee not quite tip-top but good enough to rumble. Oliver Glasner, the gaffer with the cheeky grin, didn't bat an eyelid.
The French forward's comeback wasn't all fairy tales. He'd tried to leg it to AC Milan on deadline day, only for that dodgy knee to fail the medical and slam the door shut. Palace fans weren't thrilled, and some let him know it loud and clear. But Glasner? He's all in on redemption arcs.
Glasner Dreams of Double Trouble Up Top
Chatting post-match, Glasner dropped a belter: Palace haven't ruled out unleashing both Mateta and new boy Jorgen Strand Larsen together. "We were nattering about it on the bench," he grinned, eyes lighting up like he'd just cracked open a cold one.
These two are proper towers – think lanky giants loitering in the box, waiting to pounce. Glasner admitted they haven't trained as a pair yet, and with the second leg looming, he's not going full kamikaze. But the potential? Mouth-watering. "Having two tall strikers, the biggest strength is in the box," he said. It's like having two battering rams; why not swing 'em both?
Strand Larsen rocked up on a club-record deal when Mateta's Milan move looked done and dusted. Now Mateta's back, injury nagging but surgery dodged, and suddenly Palace have options galore. Glasner reckons it's a luxury most Prem sides would kill for.
Mateta's Heart Still in South London?
Let's not sugarcoat it – Mateta's antics dented his popularity. That failed transfer left a sour taste, and the boos proved it. Yet Glasner shut down any mutterings of divided loyalties faster than you can say 'offside trap'.
"I have huge respect for him," the Austrian insisted. "He always gives 100 per cent, even when he should've been resting." It's the kind of manager-speak that could melt the iciest fan feud. Mateta's knee held up in his cameo, replacing Larsen late on, and Glasner confirmed it's improving – not perfect, but battle-ready.
This as reported by The Independent via OneFootball, who caught the vibes straight from the horse's mouth.
Munoz Doubt, But Palace March On
It's not all striker shenanigans. Wing-back Daniel Munoz is a "question mark" ahead of the Leeds clash after tweaking his shoulder against Tottenham. Glasner sounded optimistic, though – "quite hopeful" he'll strap it up and terrorise full-backs as usual.
Palace sit comfy in mid-table, but with Europe on the menu and the Prem grind relentless, Glasner's tinkering with firepower could be the spark. Imagine Mateta and Larsen nodding in crosses like dominoes falling. The Conference League tie's alive, and Glasner's got that glint – the one that says Palace might just surprise a few.
So, over your pint, mate: boo or not, Mateta's got a point to prove, and Glasner fancies him proving it shoulder-to-shoulder with Larsen. Selhurst could be rocking if they click. What's your take – dream team or recipe for chaos?