‘This is what’s next for Jean-Philippe Mateta’, Oliver Glasner confirms next steps
Jean-Philippe Mateta will be given a second chance at Crystal Palace despite pushing to leave Selhurst Park during the January transfer window.
Mateta was widely expected to leave Palace after informing the club of his desire to move on, but is now stuck at Selhurst Park after he failed a medical at AC Milan.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Mateta will find it difficult to get back into the fold at Crystal Palace.
However, Oliver Glasner has since confirmed the striker will not undergo surgery on a knee issue, and will miss a short period before returning to the fold.
Mateta was also named in the Eagles’ Conference League squad for the second half of the season, indicating that he still has a role to play under Glasner.
- Read more: Evann Guessand wants to stay at Crystal Palace.
Jean-Philippe Mateta still has a role at Crystal Palace
Brown told Football Insider on 3 February that Mateta must prove himself to Crystal Palace and work hard to get back into the starting XI.
His return has been immediately delayed by the arrival of Jorgen Strand Larsen, who scored twice on his home debut against Burnley, but there are plans for a comeback.
“It’s a difficult situation for Palace and for Mateta,” Brown told Football Insider.
“On the one hand, he didn’t want to be at the club and was pushing for a move. He wasn’t training and wasn’t playing, and that never goes down well.
“He’s ruined his relationship with the fans and possible with a few players as well.
“The thing is, he’s still a very good striker and Crystal Palace know that more than anybody. While he’s still under contract there, he’s still available to play.
“He could come back into the side and start scoring goals and everything will be forgotten for a while.
“There will always be that lingering concern, and I think he will leave the club in the summer, but in the meantime he’s going to be part of the squad.
“It will be difficult to keep up his form if Strand Larsen is fit and firing, but the opportunity should be there for him to prove himself again.”
Crystal Palace manager update emerges amid mass exodus
Crystal Palace are attempting to manage what could become a mass exodus, with Marc Guehi having joined Man City, Mateta on his way out, and Glasner also set to leave.
Palace started their search for a new manager earlier this season, before the boss confirmed his departure, with Steve Parish having been informed in October.
More recently, Football Insider revealed on 15 February that Thomas Frank is a leading contender for Palace following his departure from Tottenham.
The 52-year-old’s availability and Premier League experience has placed him high on their list despite what proved to be a nightmare spell at Spurs.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Crystal Palace plan to approach Frank over the position come the end of the season.
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