Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner ‘disappointed’ by USMNT’s handling of Chris Richards – The Athletic
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says he is disappointed by the United States Men’s National Team for playing defender Chris Richards during the last international break.
Richards played the full matches as the USMNT drew 1-1 with Ecuador and beat Australia 2-1 win, despite managing a calf problem which then kept him out of Palace’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool on Wednesday.
But Glasner was unhappy that Richards played despite the knock and said the American may not start against Brentford on Saturday.
“My only complaint is the U.S. team didn’t talk to us because Chris was struggling with his calf for many weeks,” he said in his press conference on Friday. “We talked to them and said he should rest as they were just friendlies. But they played him twice, every single minute. That’s a little bit disappointing. On the other side, we’ve tried to manage his minutes here, resting him against AEK Larnaca, but you can’t cheat your body.
“Chris’s body told him he needs more rest. Let’s see, I haven’t taken a final decision if I start him tomorrow or if I play Jaydee (Canvot) again. He says he’s fine, the medical department says he’s fine.”
U.S. Soccer has been approached for comment.
Striker Eddie Nketiah is set to miss three games with a hamstring problem picked up against Liverpool, which forced him off at half-time, but is expected to return after the November international window.
Glasner is unhappy with Richards’ minutes last international break (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Glasner also criticised football’s governing bodies for scheduling which could see Palace play four games in eight days next month after qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup following that Liverpool victory.
The tie, against Arsenal, is due to take place on the week commencing December 15, when Palace are scheduled to play a Conference League match against Finnish side KuPS.
It leaves Tuesday, December 16 as a possible option, but that would cause significant fixture congestion for Palace and leave them playing Sunday, Tuesday and then Thursday.
Glasner said it would be “dangerous” and suggested that compensation should be due if any injuries were sustained as a result. “I can’t believe that it will be fixed in that way,” he said. “It would be irresponsible for the players and everybody has a responsibility for the players’ welfare.
“I’m really upset – because I spoke about this issue three months ago when I looked at the schedule. In the summer, in the off-season, there are people who have to work on the schedule. I would really prefer if they talk together. It would be nice if FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League and the EFL talked together because it’s not so surprising that this can happen. Now they’re finding (a situation) where you can’t find a solution? Get it organised and sorted before.
“There is a solution — the week after the 21st (December), where we play at Leeds and then the next game is the 28th.
“Wait for the draws to be done and then fix. That’s the best solution for the players’ welfare. That’s why the fans are going into the stadium to watch these games. They want to see the best players on the pitch.”
