Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has explained his disagreement with Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche after the player suggested that the coach no longer trusted him.
Uche has struggled for regular playing time since joining Crystal Palace on loan from Getafe CF. The 22-year-old has made 22 appearances this season, mostly as a substitute, and is yet to start a Premier League match.
The midfielder recently spoke about his difficult time in England and hinted that his relationship with Glasner had become strained.
His comments raised questions about his future at the club ahead of Palace’s UEFA Conference League semi-final match.
Speaking before the game, Glasner denied having any personal problem with the Nigerian player and explained why he was left out of the club’s Conference League squad.
According to the Palace manager, UEFA registration rules forced the club to make difficult decisions after new players arrived during the season.
Glasner said injuries and squad planning also influenced the decision, adding that the club expected some attacking players to return to fitness at the time.
The Austrian coach explained that the situation made Uche believe he was no longer wanted, but insisted there was nothing personal behind the decision.
He also said the club still supports the midfielder despite his lack of game time and stressed that internal matters should remain within the team.
Uche is now expected to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season and return to Spain after failing to meet the conditions needed for a permanent transfer.
Reports claimed Palace would only complete a permanent move if the midfielder started 10 Premier League matches, but he failed to make a single league start during his loan spell.
Although he could return to Getafe, the Spanish club may still decide to sell him this summer because of financial concerns.
Several Premier League clubs, including Everton, Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford, are reportedly monitoring his situation.
The midfielder has also been linked with interest from AC Milan and OGC Nice, although reports suggest he would prefer to remain in English football.
