Every word from Paddy McCarthy’s post-Arsenal press conference – Interim boss on whether he wants the permanent role, Andersen’s injury and how Crystal Palace can avoid the drop

Crystal Palace’s winless run in 2023 was extended after they lost 4-1 at Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.

Current U21 boss Paddy McCarthy was in interim charge of the Eagles after Patrick Vieira was sacked on Friday morning.

Here is every word from McCarthy’s first written press conference as Palace boss:

What did you make of the game today, and what has it been like for you over the last couple of days?

“It’s been hectic – absolutely. 

“We tried to shield the players from that as much as possible.

“The start of the game was really encouraging. We created two great chances where we could have gone ahead.

“We knew we would have to defend really well to stop an Arsenal team who are in such great form today.

“If those first couple of chances went in, it might have been a different story.”

What conversations have you had with the board leading up to today? They’re obviously going to look to make an appointment.

“Everything was about preparing the team for the day. I haven’t had any time since Friday morning to think about anything other than sorting the team out for today.

“I haven’t had any conversations [with the board].”

Do you think that it’s important that a decision is made quickly?

“My only focus over the last couple of days – and right up until probably tomorrow morning when I wake up – will be this game. 

“I haven’t thought about it.”

Knowing the players and having the respect of the players, is [taking the job] something you’re interested in?

“Is it something I’m interested in? I’m interested in doing whatever the football club want me to do.

“I have been here 15 years, so whatever the football club need me to do at this moment in time, I will do it.”

What do you think this team needs to do to avoid relegation? What needs to change?

“Belief – that’s it.

“They have got so much quality in there. That’s what I said afterwards – they have got to believe in themselves and what they’re doing.

“They have got to continue to create chances like they did today. It was a really positive aspect of our game.

“I know we could have defended a little bit better, but Arsenal are always going to create chances against any opposition – they’re very difficult to stop.

“Maybe the fourth goal I was disappointed in. At 3-1, we were still in the game and just created a chance with Wilfried that went wide.

“They go up the other end and score a goal which, on reflection with VAR, is clearly offside.

“4-1 seems worse than it actually was.”

Why do you think the confidence – especially attacking-wise – has been so shot in recent weeks?

“It’s something I haven’t really thought about. I see the quality we have in the ranks there, and I don’t see why we shouldn’t believe in ourselves or what we have got in the team.

“They proved today that they can create chances against one of the top defensives in the division. 

“They will certainly take a lot of positives from that and move forward.”

What was wrong with Joachim Andersen? Coming out of the starting line-up

“It was a calf injury. He felt a twinge in his calf 15 minutes before kick-off.

“When it rains, it pours.”

Was your idea to bring experience back into the starting line up with the likes of Tomkins, Luka and Ward?

“When you’re in this predicament, you need experienced players who have been through the mill.

“The lads did really well today, given the circumstances.

“With Tonks, it’s 15 [before kick-off], and he gets the shout. He was excellent, given the circumstance.

“Experience is going to be important. Even players like James McArthur – he has been excellent around the place. He’s going to play a big role both on and off the pitch.

“Wilfried Zaha was really vocal and brought into everything we’re doing.

“Even until right until the end, he’s creating chances, making runs in and behind, and battling and fighting.

“All of these experienced players have been at the club a long time and have been through these circumstances and situations. They will play a big role in these coming weeks.”

A momentous occasion for yourself. You must be really proud leading the team out today?

“I would answer it differently if the scoreline was different, to be honest.

“I have continuously pushed all the emotion to the side. My sole focus has been preparing the team and getting the team organised.

“I had to do a job for the football club, and that’s what I have done.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD