Crystal Palace boss explains striker’s half-time substitution in Brentford defeat

Oliver Glasner has explained why Jean-Philippe Mateta was withdrawn at half-time in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 defeat at Brentford on Sunday afternoon.

Mateta scored five goals in six Olympic outings for France as he led them to a Silver medal at this summer’s games.

Odsonne Edouard had been Glasner’s first choice during pre-season in Mateta’s absence and came on at half-time.

The Eagles had been willing to let Edouard go at the start of the transfer window for around £20million, but the former Celtic forward looks set to stay now and head into the final two years of his deal.

Mateta, 27, had scored 19 goals in his previous 19 games before the trip to west London and only arrived back to training on Wednesday.

“He’s okay,” said Glasner of taking Mateta off at half-time.

“But it will take him a little bit to be completely back. It’s a different rhythm that is played in the Premier League compared to the Olympics.

“He had six games in 17 days. But we decided that he should start because he has such confidence and scored so many goals for us.

“That’s why he started. 

“Many teams have the same issue [with getting players up to fitness]. JP Is such a good and professional guy – he will work hard.

“It’s not just the physical fitness, it’s also the mental fitness. We decided to start him because he always threatens the goal. 

“Maybe it looked like he wasn’t as fresh as he could be, but he will get all of our support. I know he will take that to be on his best level again.”

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