Crystal Palace ‘in survival mode’ says boss Glasner

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says his side are in “survival mode” and cannot perform at their “top level” after the 1-1 draw with Fulham.

Glasner’s side have already played 31 games 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 matches more than Fulham this season, are now without a win in their previous six games, and Glasner said: “It is always important to stay humble and respect every single point.

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

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

“We play Newcastle next (on Sunday), and we have two days to rest and they have four. And we can see the physical difference. I am not complaining, just talking about the reality. Right now, it is not possible to perform at our top level.”

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

“We should not have been playing with 10 men,” said Silva. “It doesn’t make any sense. It is a normal reaction to go down but Cuenca stood up so quick in that moment.

“The game should have been 11 against 11. If it is a concussion it could be dangerous and you can call on 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, there was completely without a reason for Cuenca to be out at that moment.”