“We have to be careful as football managers to lament too much” – Crystal Palace chief Hodgson on Covid-19 situation

Roy Hodgson is not complaining that Crystal Palace’s campaign is continuing despite the Covid-19 pandemic seeing another serious rise in cases – pointing out that top-flight clubs are in a privileged position.

The Eagles go to Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

A number of matches over the Christmas period have already been postponed due to positive Covid-19 results.

It was revealed earlier today that Fulham boss Scott Parker will miss their game at Southampton after one of his family members contracted the virus, forcing him to self isolate.

Palace manager Hodgson said: “We are very concerned with all the cases we’re seeing now and people not being able to attend or be involved in matches because they or a family member has contracted the virus.

“We’re seeing matches postponed because there are pandemics, training grounds are having to be shut down and people are unable to fulfil fixtures.

“It’s obviously a very, very concerning time. But we have to be very careful as football managers lamenting too much – because we’ve been very well looked after during this time. It’s been fantastic. We’ve been able to carry on with our job, doing the thing we love doing.

“The incredible amount of testing gives us a lot of security, if you like, and confidence we’re going to be okay. So if I start lamenting anything I think I’ll be opening myself up to a lot of criticism from the public at large, who are suffering enormously from this virus in so many ways that we’re not.”