Crystal Palace's Bold Move: Securing the Future with Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace's successful retention of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise this summer demonstrates their clear ambitions, as stated by manager Roy Hodgson. Despite rumors of their potential departures, 21-year-old winger Olise has committed to a new long-term contract, fending off interest from Chelsea.

Eze, on the other hand, will continue to stay at the club, even though Manchester City and other clubs have shown interest.

In an interview exclusively with us, Hodgson expressed his joy in retaining the duo beyond the conclusion of the summer transfer window.

"As a manager, I am delighted that we have been able to retain these players," he stated. "Although Michael was on the verge of leaving, we successfully convinced him to pledge his long-term dedication to this club, which is truly advantageous.

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Roy Hodgson is excited to see Michael Olise (L) and Eberechi Eze back in tandem again soon

"We will always have to contend with vultures circling as a club of our standing with players of our caliber. There will constantly be other teams vying for their services.

However, it is a powerful declaration from the club that we have been able to convince these players that their future lies here, and that it is not always necessary to desire a spot in the roster of a team higher up in the league."

Sometimes, there are situations beyond our control that we cannot alter. However, it is essential for us to make every effort possible to retain our top players and increase our opportunities.

In the event that we do part ways with players, it is crucial to ensure that the funds generated are reinvested and circulated throughout the club to fill the void left by their departure. This way, we establish a reputation as a club capable of nurturing and producing exceptional talents.

Crystal Palace

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sunday 3rd September 1:00pm

Kick off 2:00pm

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Olise in action for Palace

Olise seemed poised to make a quick move to Chelsea in London last month, but much to everyone's surprise, the club announced that he had instead signed a new contract for the long term. According to Hodgson, despite their best efforts to persuade him to stay at Selhurst Park, it was ultimately the midfielder's own choice to remain.

Hodgson expressed, "We presented him with all our reasons for why it would be beneficial for him to remain, whether it be for his personal growth or securing a prominent position on the team. We communicated all the aspects that one would typically emphasize to a young player considering a significant transfer. Ultimately, the final choice was in his hands."

'It was Olise's decision to stay'

We simply presented our desires to him and did not do much beyond that. He possesses intelligence and was capable of making his own decision.

Olise, who is currently sidelined due to injury, eagerly anticipates reuniting with them once he is back in action.

"I distinctly recall their seamless collaboration last season," remarks Hodgson. "Fond recollections flood my mind, as I vividly picture the havoc these two wreaked upon opposing defenses."

"I anticipate a repetition of the same occurrence, which is precisely why retaining Michael was of utmost importance to us. Even if we had acquired the funds generated from him, it would have been arduous to discover another player endowed with his caliber to replicate the remarkable partnership he shared with Eze during the previous season."

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Eze made his England debut in the summer

Eze currently bears the responsibility of being the creative force, but he is more than capable of handling the pressure. In fact, his exceptional performance has earned him another call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad, after making his international debut in the summer.

"Our goal is to provide Ebere with the opportunity to exhibit his footballing prowess," Hodgson explains. "By delivering the ball to him in favorable positions and scenarios, we hope to enable him to showcase his abilities. The rest is entirely up to him. If we can accomplish this, we can reap the benefits."

'It's a duo that can cause problems to anyone'

It is a tremendous achievement for Crystal Palace to have three players featured in the England squad [in addition to Marc Guehi and Sam Johnstone], and even more players pushing for inclusion – a testament to our club's strength and talent.

'It's a duo that can cause problems to anyone'

Palace made a late move in the transfer window to secure a new goalkeeper who can provide stiff competition for Sam Johnstone, and we were successful in acquiring Dean Henderson from Manchester United.

Now 26 years old, Henderson is anticipated to compete with Johnstone for the coveted No 1 spot.

"He has been observing from the sidelines, and this presents a golden opportunity for him to regain momentum," highlights Hodgson about his promising new goalkeeper. "This is a fantastic chance for us to have two top-notch goalkeepers, both striving to secure a place in the England squad."

He must be feeling extremely anxious. After enjoying a great period at Nottingham Forest, he unfortunately suffered an injury just before returning to Manchester United. He was not really given ample opportunity to showcase his abilities there.

We don't usually have any doubts about competition amongst outfield players; it's usually only with goalkeepers. It does pose a challenge for me in terms of selecting the team, but it's definitely a positive challenge to face.

'Henderson anxious to play'

Crystal Palace will be facing Wolves on Super Sunday, live on We Premier League from 1pm (kick-off 2pm). This match is unique as it features the oldest manager in the Premier League, as well as in the top four divisions in England, going head-to-head with the second youngest manager in the top flight. Despite the significant age gap, Hodgson, who had already been a manager for seven years when Gary O'Neil was born in 1983, remains unconvinced that it will have any impact on the outcome of the match.

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Hodgson will be up against Gary O'Neil, who will be in the opposing dugout on Sunday.

"I don't consider him a newcomer at all," Hodgson remarks. "We're all in this together, getting ready to face each other's teams in the same manner."

He has dealt with the scrutiny of the Premier League remarkably. In this league, one can learn rapidly, and his experience of playing over 450 games will be advantageous.

Additionally, he had a successful period as an assistant, so it is not as though he has been abruptly thrust into the role without understanding the expectations. I am confident that he can impart this knowledge and expertise to his players.

Catch the live coverage of the Crystal Palace vs Wolves showdown on We Main Event and We Premier League starting at 1pm on Super Sunday, with kick-off at 2pm.

Stay updated with all the action from Selhurst Park by tuning in to our live blog on the We website and app. The blog includes in-game clips and free match highlights once the game concludes.