Roy Hodgson is coming under increased pressure at Crystal Palace, as both results and performances have been disastrous in recent weeks.
Recent comments have not helped, as supporters are unhappy with the way in which Hodgson has defended his side’s approach to games, as well as calling for supporters to be more grateful.
Palace have one win in their last eight games, and last night’s defeat to Bournemouth saw the team booed off after a remarkably poor and dull display.
Hodgson has been criticised for not using some of the club’s exciting youngsters, and instead persisting with the same players and tactics that continue to struggle every week, and there is a sense of apathy at the club as the ambitions of the management and ownership appear unclear.
Roy Hodgson’s lack of ambition at Crystal Palace
Following the home defeat by Bournemouth, who are now thriving under new head coach Andoni Iraola, Hodgson claimed that Palace fans should be grateful to merely be in the Premier League.
“If I say ‘spoilt’, that is probably harsh. What is spoilt? My relationship with Crystal Palace is as a Fourth, Third Division (Leagues Two and One today) club or a Championship club,” he stated, hitting out at his critics.
“The First Division (the domestic top flight) when I was growing up as a Crystal Palace supporter was beyond my wildest dreams.”
Crystal Palace fans have a right to demand more
Crystal Palace have now been in the Premier League for 10 consecutive years, having come up in 2013, and have maintained a steady pace in mid-table.
There has rarely been danger of relegation, but they have never come close to qualifying for Europe, and reaching the FA Cup final in 2016 has been the closest Palace have come to any silverware.
Fans have a right to demand more than simply existing in the top flight. Whilst there is no entitlement to good results, the supporters want to be excited by young prospects coming through and attempting to play a better brand of football.
Right now, the performances are dire, the team selections are uninspiring and there is no progress being made for any young talent at the club. With results now not justifying the unambitious approach, Hodgson’s comments have made it clear that he is happy with the club not attempting to punch above their weight at all.
