Chris Richards has shed light on what Oliver Glasner told him upon arriving at Crystal Palace in February.
Since taking charge in February, Oliver Glasner has completely changed the general feeling around the club for the better after how low things got under Roy Hodgson.
Crystal Palace will feel that the 1-0 win over Liverpool is a key turning point in the season which all but secures safety.
But one player who has been missing for this turnaround is defender Chris Richards, who has only under Glasner been deployed in his favoured centre-back position.
Now, the USA international has discussed this.
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Chris Richards reveals what Oliver Glasner told him
In an interview with club media which was published on Thursday, Richards has shared the story of what he and Glasner discussed after the Austrian arrived at Selhurst Park.
When asked about his favoured position. Richards says, “Centre of defence, preferably.
“It was a lot of learning this year, playing right-back, centre-back, centre-mid.
“[It was] a lot of positions that I’m not quite used to, but again like I said, I’ll do whatever to be on the pitch and help us win. I think it’s been good to play in different positions because you learn a lot.”
Continuing, Richards suggests that Glasner remembers him from when they faced off in Germany as being a centre-back.
“We played against [Glasner’s] teams in Germany, so I think he remembers what my best position was.
“But coming in, we did have a small conversation, and he just kind of said that for the future he sees me playing centre-back
“All the games I played for him have been at centre-back.”
Where does Richards stand at Crystal Palace?
For Crystal Palace, the centre of defence seems to be a priority this summer, with Marc Guehi potentially departing the club.
Along with this, clearly, the depth needs to be strengthened, with a three-at-the-back formation making the fact Palace are thin in the position glaringly evident.
Richards’ performances under Glasner were great prior to injury and it’s safe to assume, he’s firmly in the plans of Glasner for next season.
On the right of the back three, next to Joachim Andersen in the middle and Guehi on the left – unless he goes, is a fairly strong trio.
So recruitment this summer should focus on a defender to slot in next to the two more likely defenders to remain.
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