Roy Hodgson has confirmed he has apologised to the young Crystal Palace players he criticised following last week’s defeat to Tottenham.
The Eagles were beaten 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Friday 27 October, a game in which Hodgson turned to Matheus Franca, 19, and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Naouirou Ahamada, both 21, off the bench.
Speaking after the game, the 76-year-old gave a frank assessment of their performances.
“There was no disappointment today,” he said.
“Although, maybe the young substitutes — who we like to think we can believe in and help us to a different level — didn’t show that.
“They didn’t do anything for us at all, really. We became much weaker when I made the substitutions.”
Addressing his comments ahead of Saturday’s trip to Burnley, Hodgson revealed he had apologised.
“It was wrong of me to do so in the disappointment of the game,” he said.
“I was rather hoping at 2-0 down we could mount some sort of recovery.
“Sometimes (in) the press conference directly after the game one is tempted to say things you certainly shouldn’t say and really I don’t mean.
“We have great faith in all of our young players. They’re making progress. It’s unfair to expect more of them as I’m suggesting I did expect. That’s very unfair of me. I’ve spoken to the three, explained that and apologised.”
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