Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson believes the emergence of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise could soften the blow of a potential Wilfried Zaha exit this summer.
The Eagles talisman’s contract expires at the end of this season, but the 30-year-old might have already played his last game for the club after he pulled up early in the second half of Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth.
Eze’s two goals in that contest took him to double digits for the campaign, while 21-year-old Olise made it 10 assists – a first for any Palace player.
Hodgson said: “It’s more of a question for the club. I think that we have been very, very dependent on Wilf for a long time, at least I certainly was in the last four years I spent with the club I was very dependent on Wilf and what he did for us.
“We were unbelievably grateful for him, for the performance that he gave, and the number of matches that he helped us win. I think now, with (Olise and Eze), there is more support, if you like, for the attacking side of our game.
“You can even mention Jordan Ayew, of course, who has improved a lot. So I think the club is in a happier position now than when I left four years ago. But will the club miss Wilf Zaha if he goes?
“Yes, they will, because Wilf Zaha is an exceptional player. He’s an iconic Crystal Palace player. He’s loved here, quite rightly so, not just by managers and coaches but also by the crowd.
“So if he does decide to go he will be sorely missed, but perhaps there are a few more players in the wings who can soften the blow.”
Zaha was instrumental in the build-up to Eze’s ninth goal of the season, while Olise provided the assist from range that set up the 24-year-old’s second to make it 10 this campaign.
Eze has frequently attributed his surge in form to Hodgson, who arrived back at Selhurst Park for a second spell in March, but the midfielder’s boss was not so willing to take credit.
Hodgson said: “We certainly haven’t decided that he will be relieved of any duties to be freer. We expect a lot from him when we lose the ball, with the shape of the team, with his role in the shape of the team, and I think he’s reacted very well to that.
“By the way the team is structured at the moment, and what we are looking to do when we are on the ball, if he feels a little bit freer that’s great.”
Gary O’Neil vowed his Bournemouth side would regroup after the loss and put on a strong showing for their final two games against Manchester United and Everton.
Reflecting on the Cherries’ journey from the relegation zone to all-but having secured safety by the time they travelled to Selhurst Park, he said: “We have a responsibility to finish the season exactly how we’ve been.
“And I understand that human nature is we’ve achieved something, and things can just ease up slightly, but I don’t like the feeling, I don’t like what I saw [against Palace].
“It’s on me to make sure that we can get this group back to exactly where it was.”
Sporting CP boss Amorim apologises for holding West Ham talks
Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim has publicly apologised for holding talks with West Ham, who view the 39-year-old as a contender to replace David Moyes at the end of the season.
This week, widespread reports said Amorim had travelled to London for talks with the West Ham hierarchy, as they weigh up their options ahead of Moyes' contract expiring in June.
Moyes delivered the Europa Conference League trophy to the London Stadium last season but has long struggled to win over sections of the Hammers' fanbase, and a poor run of form has seen their hopes of European qualification fade in recent weeks.
Amorim, who led Sporting to the Primeira Liga crown in 2020-21 and looks likely to oversee another title triumph this term, has also been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool in the past.
He was roundly criticised for making the trip to London while still under contract, and on Saturday he admitted the visit was a mistake.
"So, let's get the elephant out of the room and I'll talk about it once," Amorim said in a press conference to preview Sunday's trip to Porto.
"The first thing is to say that the club was aware of my trip. It's important and changes the context.
"Then, let's talk about the 'cloak of secrecy' that surrounded the trip... I 'secretly' parked the car outside, secretly walked past 15 people and took photographs, then got on a plane behind the club's back.
"It didn't happen in secret or without permission. Obviously my trip was a mistake, the timing was completely wrong, it didn't seem right at the time.
"It was wrong, especially when I'm so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each one's actions can overpower the team. I have removed players from the squad for much less.
"It was my mistake, I have to accept it and live with it. It didn't seem so bad at the time but thinking about it later, it's very clear.
"Now it's time to move on. I apologise to the Sporting fans, the staff and, mainly, to my players for the mistake I made."
Wilder laments "complete lack of leadership" as Blades' relegation confirmed
Chris Wilder feels his Sheffield United side's "complete lack of leadership" has been a key factor in their relegation from the Premier League.
The Blades will be playing Championship football next term after a dismal one-season return to the Premier League in which they have won just three of their 35 league outings.
Sheffield United's 25th league defeat of the season confirmed their relegation as they were hammered 5-1 away at Newcastle United on Saturday despite Anel Ahmedhodzic putting them in front at St James' Park.
A drubbing ensued after Alexander Isak's leveller, and the final whistle condemned the Blades to the second tier with three games to spare.
In Wilder's view, the club needs to rectify a lack of on-field guidance if the Blades are to bounce straight back up, embodied by the tough outing at St James' Park.
Wilder told the BBC's Match of the Day. "There are plenty of games where we have been put to bed early but today we should have been 3-0 up at half-time. I'm scratching my head that it was 1-1.
"Newcastle up their game and get a head of steam. Then our old mistakes start to fall in and goals go from two to three to four to five pretty quickly.
"There's a reason why that happens. It's an incredibly young side and there is a complete lack of leadership out there. I thought at times I was going to have a heart attack in terms of trying to get the messages on."
Wilder acknowledged there could be tough times ahead for the club, though he hopes he retains the trust of the fans having been brought in for his second spell as Blades manager midway through the season following the sacking of Paul Heckingbottom.
"It's going to be a tough summer for everybody," Wilder continued. "We have not been good enough. The league has been too powerful for us right the way through the season.
"Sheffield United is a really good football club. I think everyone understands that but it's been a really poor season.
"I've still got another year left of my contract. I'd like to think that the supporters can trust me. I'm enthusiastic and committed along with my coaching staff to get it right. We know exactly what direction we need to go, what the culture is going to look like, what pre-season is going to look like."
Huddersfield Town all but relegated from Championship while League Two play-off fate is decided
Huddersfield Town saw their relegation all but confirmed after a 1-1 draw with fellows strugglers Birmingham City.
The Terriers avoided a defeat that would have seen them relegated on Saturday, but even a win on the final day over promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town will not be enough unless they overcome a huge goal difference of 15 goals with Plymouth Argyle.
Birmingham remain in the other relegation place and now must beat Norwich City to stand a chance of staying up with Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth and Blackburn Rovers also still in danger.
At the other end of the table, the Canaries dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Swansea City, leaving the door open for Hull City, who face Ipswich Town later today.
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