Roy Hodgson interview: This is Crystal Palace’s statement of intent with Michael Allis and Eberechi Eise | Football News

In an exclusive interview, Crystal Palace discuss the capture of Michael Allis and Eberechi Eze, the signing of Dean Henderson and more; Watch Crystal Palace vs Wolves live Sky Sports Premier League From 1 p.m Super Sunday; Starting at 2 p.m

Boss Roy Hodgson says Crystal Palace managing to hold on to Eberechi Eze and Michael Olis this summer is a statement of intent about their ambitions.

Both midfielders have been linked with moves away this summer, but winger Ollis, 21, has signed a new long-term deal to fend off interest from Chelsea.

Eze, meanwhile, will remain at the club despite interest from Manchester City and others.

In an exclusive interview with Sky SportsHodgson expressed his delight at keeping the pair at the club at the end of the summer transfer window.

„It’s a great situation for me as a manager, we’ve been able to keep these players,” he said. „Michael was very close to going, but we made him commit to his long-term future here, which is a very good thing.

„We can never stop the Eagles from circling. When you’re a club of our stature and you have players like us. There’s always teams coming for them.

„But it’s a strong aim of the club that we’ve been able to convince those players that the future is here and you don’t always want to have a place in the team of a team just above the league. .

„Sometimes we can’t change that situation. But we have to do as much as we can to keep our best players and give ourselves a chance.

„When we sell players, we have to hope that the money that comes from it is used more and circulated around the club. You develop a reputation as a club that can produce and develop good players.”

’Olys’ stay is over’

The world looked for Alice to make the short hop across London to join Chelsea last month, when the club dramatically revealed he had signed a new long-term deal.

Although they did everything they could to convince him to stay at Selhurst Park, Hodgson says it ultimately rested on the midfielder’s own decision.

„We put all our arguments to him about why it would be a good idea for him to stay,” Hodgson says. „Whether it’s his development or being one of the first names on the teamsheet.

„We said all the things you would say to a young player who has the potential to make a big move. But at the end of the day it was up to him. He made the decision.

„We put what we wanted on him and we didn’t do anything more than that. He’s a smart guy and capable of making his own choice.”

’It’s a duo that can cause trouble for anyone’

It’s this kind of pairing that keeps Hodgson, now 76, so passionate about the game. From his return to Palace last March until the end of last season, Eze and Ollis were in impeccable form. A joy to watch when in full flow.

Olis is currently out injured but can’t wait to see them again when he returns.

„They worked really well last season,” Hodgson says. „I have good memories of that and if I close my eyes, I can visualize images of those two causing a lot of problems for opposition defences.

„I expect it to happen again, which is why we were so keen to keep Michael. Even with the money we got from him, we would have struggled to find a player of his quality to do what he and Eze did. I did it together last season.”

For now, the creative burden falls on Eze, but he can handle the pressure. Having won his first cap in the summer, he was recalled to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

„All we can do is give Eber a platform to play the football he does,” says Hodgson. „Get the ball in areas and situations where he can use his skills up front. Everything else is up to him. If we can do that, we can benefit from that.

“A club like Crystal Palace needs three players in the England team [along with Marc Guehi and Sam Johnstone]Knocking on doors is big for us.”

Henderson is eager to play

Palace made a late move for a new goalkeeper to challenge Sam Johnstone in the window, with Dean Henderson joining from Manchester United.

Henderson, now 26, is expected to overtake Johnstone for the No. 1 spot.

„He’s been watching from the sidelines,” Hodgson said of his new goalkeeper.

„He must be very keen. He had a wonderful spell at Nottingham Forest and then got injured before returning to Manchester United. He didn’t get much of a chance to show what he can do there.

„We don’t question the competition between the outfield players, it’s always with the goalkeepers. It gives me a selection headache, but it’s a good one.”

Experience meets youth on Super Sunday

Crystal Palace Face Wolves Super Sundaylive Sky Sports Premier League from 1pm (kick-off 2pm), and it’s a match that will see the oldest manager in the Premier League – and in England’s top four divisions – the second youngest in the top flight.

Hodgson had already been in charge for seven years when Gary O’Neill was born in 1983, but he believes the little come-kick-off will be crucial.

„I don’t consider him a rookie by any means,” says Hodgson. „We’re all in the same boat together and I’m preparing to play his team the same way he prepares to play mine.

„He [handled the scrutiny of the Premier League] very good. You learn very quickly in this league, and the 450-odd games he’s played will help.

„He has had a good spell as an assistant as well. It’s not like he’s thrown out suddenly and doesn’t understand the level. I’m sure he’s capable of passing that on to his players.”

Watch Crystal Palace vs Wolves live Sky Sports is the main event And Sky Sports Premier League From 1 p.m Super Sunday; Starting at 2 pm.

You can also follow events from Selhurst Park On top of that Sky Sports Website and app with our live blog featuring game clips and free match highlights after the final whistle.