Roy Hodgson is now at risk of losing his job at Crystal Palace – with Steve Cooper emerging as the favourite to take over.
The Welshman – currently in charge of Nottingham Forest – is under pressure himself at the City Ground following a run of one win in 11 Premier League outings.
It was the Daily Mail who claimed that the 43-year-old has admirers in the boardroom at Selhurst Park, and could soon be hired if Nottingham Forest opt to sack him.
If Steve Cooper does replace Roy Hodgson in south London, it sounds as if Marc Guehi would be very pleased to have him at Crystal Palace…
What Marc Guehi has previously said about Steve Cooper
Well, the England international worked with the Pontypridd-born tactician while on loan at Swansea City from Chelsea during the 2020/21 campaign.
Guehi also played under Cooper for the England U17 side – winning the U17 World Cup back in 2017 – and has made 59 appearances for him in total.
Interestingly, the Crystal Palace No.6 really seemed to enjoy his time working alongside the potential Hodgson replacement.
As quoted by the Daily Star in 2022, Guehi said: “He’s had a massive impact. I think he’s a fantastic coach and a great person. He’s definitely someone that has helped me get to the point where I am. He really helped develop me as a player and he’s someone that, if I ever need anything, I can call – 100%.”
In that respect, the 23-year-old would surely welcome Cooper’s appointment at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace and Steve Cooper have history
If reports are true, Crystal Palace and Cooper have met before.
A story from Football Insider in 2021 claimed that the Eagles had already interviewed the Welshman on two occasions during his time at Swansea City.
A separate story from the Daily Mail also claimed that Steve Parish considered hiring Cooper at the end of last season, only to end up extending Hodgson’s contract.
There does seem to be a lot of admiration for Cooper inside the boardroom at Selhurst Park – and from a key player in Guehi – so be sure to keep an eye on this situation.
