PADDY McCarthy feels Oliver Glasner will enjoy working with this Crystal Palace squad after the new Eagles boss watched the side denied a win by a late Everton equaliser at Goodison Park on Monday night.
Glasner was in the directors’ box with Steve Parish as Jordan Ayew gave the visitors the lead in the 66th minute before Amadou Onana levelled in the 84th minute.
Glasner was confirmed as Palace’s new manager on Monday after Roy Hodgson had stepped down.
McCarthy was in caretaker charge against Sean Dyche’s Toffees.
“There’s lots of quality in the squad, and I think he’s coming into a squad with a lot of character and spirit, like they showed today,” McCarthy said. “[There were] lots of positives I’m sure he’s seen when he was looking down on the team today, and I’m sure he can’t wait to get to work with them.
“The players are flexible. We’ve played a number of different systems this season and that was one of them today. We utilised that against Man City, we utilised that at the end of the game against Man United away, so we have flexibility within the squad to be able to play back fives, back fours, etc.
“I’m sure he’ll enjoy working with this great group of lads.
“It was a wonderful goal by Jordan and unfortunately, at the end, we couldn’t hold out. We knew Everton would pose us some questions with set-plays and we just didn’t answer them until the end.
“We’re disappointed with conceding the goal through a set-play, but ultimately we’re happy with the point, and we move on.”
Hodgson, 76, was taken ill during training last week but is out of hospital.
McCarthy added: “The most important thing is Roy is doing well. He’s on the mend, he’s at home, and he’s ultra-positive about the future, so that’s the main thing.”
Earlier on Monday, Parish welcomed Glasner to the club. He said on Palace’s website: “He has an outstanding record, and we believe he is the right manager to take the club forward at this pivotal stage.
“Wherever Oliver has gone so far in his managerial journey, success has been quick to follow, and we believe his ambition, as well as his exciting and attacking approach, is the perfect fit for getting the most from our talented young squad in the remainder of this Premier League season and beyond.”
Glasner, 49, led Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League title in 2022, their first European trophy in 42 years.
Glasner said: “I am very happy to join Crystal Palace FC as manager. I am looking forward to working with the talented squad, meeting the club’s supporters and experiencing the Selhurst Park atmosphere I have heard so much about. It has been a pleasure to meet with Steve and Dougie [Freedman], and I am looking forward to working with them to achieve our goals.”
Glasner’s first match in charge will be at home to Burnley this Saturday at 3pm.
