- Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano in Conference League final
- Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure in Leipzig
- Injured duo are cheering on their teammates
Crystal Palace duo Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure have given fans an insight into the vibe amongst the squad ahead of tonight’s UEFA Conference League final. The pair will sit the final out as they recover from injuries.
Oliver Glasner still named Nketiah and Doucoure in his squad for the final against Rayo Vallecano at Red Bull Arena. They haven’t been training or with the team preparing for the game but instead on the streets of Leipzig with fans.
Nketiah has been on the sidelines since December, initially with a thigh problem before suferring a hamstring injury. Doucoure, meanwhile, hasn’t played for the senior team this season as he recovers from knee surgery.
“I sense excitement” – Nketiah on Palace mood
Palace’s media team caught up with both players ahead of the final. They shared their thoughts on the game and the team’s mood heading into it.
Nketiah said: “Obviously we’ve all contributed to get to this point so it’s just good to be out here and see so many fans get amongst it. Support the boys and hopefully help them get over the line.”
He added: “I sense a bit of excitement around the boys. Everyone’s looking forward to the opportunity. We know what a massive opportunity it is and how much joy we can bring to the fans. We’ve experienced that last year so I’m confident in the boys and I’m sure that we’ll do everything we can to bring it home.”
Palace have dealt with the pressure that comes with a major final before. They beat Manchester City 1-0 in last season’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
Now the Eagles are in Leipzig for a first-ever European final and to bid farewell to Glasner. The Austrian will take charge of his final game as manager before leaving next month.
“Excited” – Doucoure on Palace’s final
Doucoure, one of the club’s most expensive players, has unfortunately missed out on the chance to play in Palace’s debut European campaign. He will be preparing for next season when he gets the chance to slot back into the Eagles’ midfield.
The Malian midfielder is still in Germany to cheer on his teammates: “Yeah excited today for the final and I hope the boys will do the job today and bring it home. Come on Palace.”
Palace head into tonight’s final knowing that victory will grant them a place in next season’s Europa League. It will also be the perfect send-off for Glasner who has the chance to become the club’s first manager to win a European trophy.
