Millwall defensive rock Japhet Tanganga promises to keep his cool against Crystal Palace
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Japhet Tanganga is relishing his battle with Jean-Philippe Mateta tomorrow – with the Millwall defender promising to keep his composure.
The Lions centre-back, 25, has been one of the top defenders in the Championship this season and now tests himself against the in-form Crystal Palace striker in the FA Cup fifth round tie at Selhurst Park.
Tanganga’s last match in SE25 ended in the 58th minute. He was sent off by referee Jonathan Moss for two bookable offences – barging over Wilfried Zaha and then fouling Jordan Ayew.
“It got a bit heated and I lost my head a little bit,” Tanganga told the South London Press.
“We felt we should’ve had a foul and they didn’t put the ball out. I just tried to stop the play and things escalated. He (Zaha) was definitely a good player and one we tried to nullify as quickly as possible
“I wasn’t smart enough and went into another challenge which gave the referee an opportunity to give me a second yellow card.
“I definitely learned from that and it won’t be happening again.”
Mateta has scored eight goals in his past nine matches and also assisted Daniel Munoz for the Colombian to finish in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham.
Tanganga and defensive partner Jake Cooper will be tasked with subduing the powerful frontman.
“It’s a good test for us to see our levels as well – to play against someone who is playing week in and week out in the Premier League,” said Tanganga. “He is doing well. He’s a top player.
“The aim is for us to come out on top.
“Being a competitor, you want to get the better of your opponents and physicality is one of my strengths. I do like a little battle – I feel it is going to be a good one.”
Millwall have not played at Selhurst Park since a 2-2 draw in October 2012, the hosts winning promotion to the top-flight at the end of that campaign via the play-offs.
The Lions will be underdogs but reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2019, losing 5-4 on penalties to Brighton.
Millwall had been seconds away from a 2-1 win in normal time when keeper David Martin’s mistake saw Solly March score with a stoppage-time free-kick.
Asked about the prospects of the Lions upsetting their South London rivals, Tanganga said: “We have a very good chance. We are doing well in the league. They are the Premier League side and we are below, so maybe they are the favourites, but I don’t think we’re looking at it that we can’t go there and win.
“We fancy ourselves to go there, put a good performance in and try to get through to the next round.
“The way we knocked out Leeds was a very good win – away from home and the fans were chanting all the way through. We felt their presence. I feel it will be the same at the weekend.”
It will be a reunion with former Lions winger Romain Esse although the £14.5million January signing has had limited minutes.
He scored with his first touch in Palace’s 2-1 home loss to Brentford last month.
“People need to understand there is a jump from the Championship to the Premier League – it’s not easy and he is still young,” said Tanganga.
“He has got plenty of time. It is about adapting and I’m sure he is doing the right things in training. It is only a matter of time before he shows what he is capable of doing.
“I send him a little message here and there – I did after he scored (and did the kneeslide despite Palace trailing). I said I understood the situation but next time get the ball and run back!
“It is a surreal moment to come on and score with your first touch in the Premier League. He is a young boy and I can understand the emotions.
“I’m pretty sure next time he will know what to do.”
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