- Captain Dean Henderson speaks ahead of tomorrow’s final
- Not underestimating Rayo Vallecano
- No “underdogs” or “real favourites”
Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson has told journalists there are “no underdogs” ahead of the UEFA Conference League final tomorrow night when Palace face Madrid based Rayo Vallecano.
The Eagles are hoping to give Oliver Glasner the send off he deserves with a European trophy in their first ever European campaign, as they travel to Leipzig ahead of tomorrow’s game.
Palace’s opponents have been on an incredible run of form, which is creating nerves for Palace fans. Iñigo Pérez’s side are nine games unbeaten in all competitions, with six of those resulting in wins.
Vallecano also face the chance to win their first ever trophy, a feeling Palace know well after winning the FA Cup last May. Some have tipped Vallencano to be the “underdogs” ahead of this tie, due to it being their first ever final.
The match serves as both club’s final chance to secure European football, with Vallecano finishing 8th in La Liga, and the Eagles 15th.
“We won’t take this opposition lightly”
Palace captain Henderson spoke to Sky Sports about the pressure ahead of the match, claiming there is: “No underdogs in finals in my opinion. There’s no real favourites, it’s one of those things. It’s whoever performs better on the night.“
The 29-year-old reassured fans with his awareness of the opposition: “We know this team are going to come for their first European final and give it everything and not lie down for us by any means.
“They are very good tactically and we won’t take this opposition lightly.”
The stakes are high for Palace
With Vallecano hoping for their first trophy, the stakes are also high for Palace, as the outcome could define the summer transfer window and the next South London manager.
If Palace were victorious, managerial favourite Andoni Iraola may be more inclined to join South London with the promise of Europa League football and to build on the incredible success of Glasner’s side.
Failing to secure European football for another season could see notable departures from the club with the likes of Maxence Lacroix considering a move.
