‘Freedom’ – Palace forward Mateta makes Roy Hodgson admission after scoring Leicester winner

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

Jean-Philippe Mateta has admitted returning Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson have given the squad more freedom.

The French striker came on as an 86th-minute substitute against Leicester on Saturday and subsequently scored the winner with almost the last kick of the game for a 2-1 victory – the first win of 2023 for the South Londoners.

“He gives us a little bit of freedom: ‘Do what you can do’, that’s it,” said Mateta when asked about what Hodgson has brought to training and games since taking charge of the club for the second time.

“The club is very happy and he’s a good manager,” he added about Hodgson, who signed Mateta in his first spell as manager from Mainz. 

“Hopefully more wins will come for him and the club.”

With his team firmly ensconced in the bottom half of the Premier League table and not clear of any potential relegation worries yet, the Paris-born Mateta is well aware of what the win means for everyone connected with the side.

“For me, for the fans, for the team, for the club – everyone’s happy and this win was very important,” said the 25-year-old, who doubled his account for the season after being played in by fellow substitute Jordan Ayew.

“When I saw Jordan with the ball, I knew he would be looking for me and give me the ball. I saw the ball was very hard, but I made a good touch and finished this one. I work very hard for this one. I didn’t score for a long time, but I could finally today. I’m very happy.”

Just before half-time, the influential Wilfried Zaha – captain for the day – pulled up with a groin strain and was promptly replaced by Jordan Ayew.

“I was very sad – as he was captain as well,” said Mateta about the 30-year-old leaving the field. “I spoke to him [after the match], and he is sad because he doesn’t like to be injured. He’s our best player and hopefully, Wilf will come back quickly.”

Thoughts now turn to the relegation run-in, with Hodgson admitting that three wins from the remaining nine games – which start with Leeds United away next Sunday – should be enough to secure safety.

But Mateta revealed that Hodgson urged his players not to get too carried away with the motivating win.

“He told us to keep calm, not [get] too excited,” said Mateta about what the Croydon-born boss told the squad in the changing room after the game.

“We have nine more games and we have to fight in all those games. I will do everything. I will keep training hard, in the gym, and we’ll see.”

Mateta has seen his minutes limited this season, starting just six league games, resulting in just those two goals so far.

“It’s frustrating,” he said about his lack of match action. “But I will keep training hard to [score] more goals and help the team win games.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD