‘He had no pre-season’ – Oliver Glasner delivers verdict on Chelsea loanee’s Crystal Palace debut in Liverpool defeat

Oliver Glasner says Trevoh Chalobah’s lack of match fitness was down to his early mistake in Crystal Palace’s 1-0 defeat at home to Liverpool in the early Saturday kick-off.

The Chelsea loanee, who joined on deadline day, was making his debut against Arne Slot’s side after being named in the matchday squad for the first time against Everton last week.

Chalobah started as a left centre-back in a three-man defence, with Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi completing the backline.

The Champions League winner allowed Diogo Jota to get ahead of him to poke Cody Gakpo’s cross past Dean Henderson after nine minutes.

Chalobah grew into the game and made two interceptions during the clash.

Glasner said: “When he’s in a rhythm, he defends it [Jota’s goal]. I don’t know the last time he played over 85 minutes. 

“He had no pre-season with Chelsea. When he arrived, he got injured, and now he has trained for two weeks.

“With this [in mind], I thought he played really well. He won a lot of battles and showed he is a very good player.

“In this situation [against Jota], he didn’t have the rhythm. If he made one step earlier to the ball, he clears the situation.

“I’m not blaming him – I’m really pleased with his performance today.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD