Crystal Palace ‘in survival mode’, says boss Glasner

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said his team were in “survival mode” and could not perform at their “highest level” after the match. 1-1 draw against Fulham.

Glasner’s side have already played 31 matches in all competitions and looked tired in the closing stages.

Glasner wants reinforcements and is close to signing Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson.

Palace, who have already played eight more matches than Fulham this season, are now winless in their previous six games, and Glasner said: “It is always important to stay humble and respect every point.

“With all the circumstances, we played well when the mind and legs were fresh, but in the end it was a matter of time when we conceded.

“We are a bit in survival mode. We have to accept it. We have never played a team with less rest than us. Even Fulham had an extra day. We played on Sunday, they played on Saturday.

“We play Newcastle next (Sunday), and we have two days off and they have four. And we can see the physical difference. I’m not complaining, I’m just talking about reality. At the moment it’s not possible to play at our highest level.”

Fulham boss Marco Silva was frustrated that Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scored as his team was temporarily reduced to 10 men after Jorge Cuenca was forced off the field by referee Tony Harrington following an apparent head injury.

“We shouldn’t have played with 10,” Silva said. “It doesn’t make any sense. It’s a normal reaction to go down, but Cuenca got up so quickly at that moment.

“The match should have been 11 against 11. If it is a concussion, it could be dangerous and we can call the medical staff but not every time.

“The referees, with the experience they have, should be able to manage the game in a different way. Today Cuenca had no reason to be out at that time.”