Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner insists Marc Guehi’s focus is rock-solid ahead of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool, despite the defender’s collapsed transfer saga.
The England international came close to sealing a deadline-day switch to Anfield, only for Palace chairman Steve Parish to pull the plug at the last minute. While many have praised Guehi’s professionalism since the saga, Glasner finds the fuss puzzling.
“I have zero doubts about Marc,” Glasner said in his pre-match press conference. “As long as he’s a Palace player, he gives 100 percent. That’s what I expect, and that’s exactly what he’ll show tomorrow. He’s in outstanding form and I’m excited to see him perform again.”
The Austrian coach admitted he spoke with Guehi after the window closed, but said the conversation was brief. “It was maybe five minutes. We’d already spoken plenty throughout last season, in the summer, in pre-season. After the deadline, Marc told me, ‘It’s fine, I like the club, I like the team, I’m a south London boy, I’ll give my best.’ That’s all I needed to hear.”
Glasner also pointed out the irony of the situation: “I don’t really understand why people are amazed when someone honors their contract. That should be the norm. Instead, maybe we should question those who don’t.”
With Hugo Ekitike suspended, Guehi will have the task of keeping Alexander Isak quiet. The Swedish forward forced his way out of Newcastle to complete a big-money move to Liverpool and will be desperate to make an impact at Selhurst Park.
Palace, meanwhile, are chasing a piece of history. If they avoid defeat, they’ll stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 matches, equalling a record set back in 1969. Glasner, however, is playing it down. “I don’t care about records. Last year, we had the worst start in Premier League history, and still ended with a points record. Of course, positive runs are nice, but the focus is only on Liverpool.”
The Eagles will welcome back Ismaila Sarr, who has a strong track record against the Reds with four goals in seven games, including a starring role in Palace’s Community Shield triumph. Yeremy Pino, Adam Wharton, and Eddie Nketiah are also available, while Caleb Kporha, Chadi Riad, and Cheick Doucoure remain sidelined.