Scott Dann says it is up to Crystal Palace players to make new formation work
Wednesday 19 July 2017 17:41, UK
Scott Dann says it is up to the Crystal Palace players to make Frank de Boer's 3-4-3 system work after their first game using the formation.
The new manager has implemented the changes after replacing Sam Allardyce this summer and signals a marked departure from how the Eagles have played in the past.
Palace were in Premier League Asia Trophy action on Wednesday as they faced Liverpool using the new system, but suffered a 2-0 defeat.
While Dann admits it is a difference from last season, he says he is enjoying training sessions under De Boer and it is up to the team to make the changes a success.
"We've worked on it [3-4-3 system] since the first day that he came in," the defender told Sky Sports following the Liverpool game.
"It's obviously a lot of change with the personnel and the shape but it's been enjoyable in training - now it's about replicating that on the pitch. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, we can improve on how we were today.
"It is a lot different than it was last year but hopefully we can learn from him. He's passionate about that way of playing and it's up to us to take it and do it out on the pitch and work on it each day to keep improving.
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"We've worked really hard in the first couple of weeks, but when you get into the games, it's a bit more difficult to put it into practice but hopefully, we can do it and keep improving.
"I think he can come across as quietly spoken but he's obviously passionate and he's been a top player in his career. When he's on the training ground, he's not quite as calm. He expects things to be done the way he wants and everyone has to buy into that. Hopefully, we can keep getting better and improve and make that system a good one for us."
De Boer himself was also pleased with how Crystal Palace played in the new 3-4-3 formation, and also gave an update on Wilfred Zaha after he was subject to a stamp on the ankle from Marko Grujic.
"I think this side has a lot of quality but it has only been three weeks and it is a new system," De Boer said.
"Most of them have never played this system, maybe Ruben Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea, but the rest haven't so they have to adapt. I think they did very well for the first time against a very good opponent.
"I think he's [Zaha] okay. I don't think it was a very nice thing to do on him because it was on purpose and luckily for us, he could continue.
"Normally, that's not the way you want to play friendly games but also a Premier League game. He is a very important player and we don't want to see him injured of course."
Catch Crystal Palace in Premier League Asia Trophy action on Saturday as they play West Brom live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event from 10.30am.
