Oliver Glasner: ‘Crystal Palace reduced squad size in summer window to bring academy talent closer to first team’

Oliver Glasner says Crystal Palace decided to reduce the size of their squad over the summer transfer window to bring their academy talent closer to the first team.

The Eagles boss has confirmed that Franco Umeh will be in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League clash at home to Leicester City.

Exciting youngsters Caleb Kporha, Mofe Jemide and Asher Agbinone all featured in the behind-closed-doors friendly win over League One side Reading during the international break.

Ex-Wolfsburg boss Glasner confirmed that the South Londoners were looking to add a left full-back cover on deadline day, but nothing materialised.

“Franco will be in the squad tomorrow,” said Glasner.

“We have an Irish U21 national player in our academy – it’s our job to give him the chance to show what he can do in first-team training and even maybe to get some minutes in the Premier League.

“Yes, it’s up to him to improve because he’s still 19, but he has a lot of talent. It’s the same with Caleb.

“Asher had this week with us. We had Mofe Jemide with us. They played in our friendly game last week.

“If you have 25 or 26 players in the first team, how can someone in the academy get a chance to get minutes?

“It’s impossible. It was also a decision we made with a lot of thought to say: ‘Let’s reduce the numbers [of the squad], but also our young players can get a chance.’

“If you’re 20 and you’re not able to play 15 to 20 minutes in the Premier League, then it’s very tough to become a Premier League player in future.

“Maybe it happens sometimes, but not very often.”

Umeh was on the bench in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea before the international break alongside Agbinone, Kaden Rodney and Justin Devenny, 

When asked what the academy players needed to show to get Premier League minutes, Glasner added: “It’s like Chalobah, Lacroix, Eze or Guehi, it’s the same for Franco or the others, express yourself and show your strengths.

“There is a reason why they have been in the academy for many years. Then they have to adjust to Premier League football, but you can’t adapt to anything in life if you don’t get the chance for it.

“We can talk about the qualities they have. Franco has such pace, a left foot, and he can run up and down.

“He has to improve a little bit tactically and technically – maybe in decision-making too. He needs this to develop – this is what we will give him. When we think they are ready, they will get the minutes.” 

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD