3 days ago
15
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has disclosed the meticulous preparation that led to Dean Henderson becoming the club's Community Shield hero against Liverpool.
Henderson's penalty saves from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott were pivotal in Palace's 3-2 shoot-out victory following an exhilarating 2-2 draw at Wembley on Sunday. Glasner is convinced that Henderson's match-winning performance as the FA Cup winner toppled the Premier League champion was no fluke.
"He is a great goalkeeper and has saved many chances for us," said the Palace boss. "In the meeting the day before the game in the team hotel, with the analysts and the goalkeeping coach went through all the penalty takers for Liverpool so we were well prepared.
"We are delighted. We showed confidence and this is how we want to be, take responsibility and never be scared that you can make a mistake."
The Palace manager also refuted any notion that his side was dominated by Liverpool in the early phases, during which Hugo Ekitike netted the first goal.
"I don't think we were blown away in the first 10 minutes," he said.
"Liverpool scored with their first shot, and the reaction was great after that (by winning a penalty).
"Without them having a chance we were then 2-1 down.
"We said at half-time stick to the game plan and we will get the situations to score. I am really pleased with the performance today.
"After the 90 minutes it was a game where both teams were more or less on the same level and this makes us proud against Liverpool as they are the champions."
Palace now boasts two trophies within three months, having previously never claimed a major honour throughout the club's entire history.
Glasner continued: "The fans had an emotional reward which you can't buy with any money in the world.
"Our fans deserved it today, they are always supporting us from the beginning until the end.
"They were always pushing us and were behind us."
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