Crystal Palace can thrive under Roy Hodgson, says Jason Puncheon
Saturday 16 September 2017 11:29, UK
Skipper Jason Puncheon is convinced new manager Roy Hodgson has what it takes to get Crystal Palace’s season moving in the right direction.
Hodgson was appointed as Frank de Boer's successor on Tuesday evening after the Dutchman was sacked less than 24 hours after Sunday's defeat to Burnley, which left Crystal Palace bottom of the table.
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The 1-0 loss at Turf Moor was De Boer's fourth straight league defeat as Palace boss and brought to an end his stay at Selhurst Park after just 77 days.
Hodgson has been out of work since stepping down as England manager after a disappointing Euro 2016 where England were knocked out by Iceland in the Round of 16 stage.
But Puncheon is convinced 70-year-old Hodgson - who has previously managed clubs including Liverpool, Inter Milan, Fulham and West Brom - has the quality and managerial experience to lift the Eagles.
"He comes with a wealth of experience," Puncheon told Sky Sports News.
"He's managed some big, big players and he's managed in a wide range of leagues. He was the national manager for our country and that speaks volumes for itself.
"Structure is [going to be] important to help us push forward. We've got good players and we've got a good structure that has helped players grow and improve in the past."
Palace are yet to score in the league season and have conceded seven goals in their opening four games this term.
The Eagles host one of Puncheon's former side's Southampton in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, live on Sky Sports Premier League, and the Palace captain is targeting a win and clean sheet to kick off the Hodgson era.
"Ultimately we need to win the game," he said. "We need three points he knows that and as a group of players we know that.
"As long as we leave that game with a clean sheet we've got a point."
Watch Crystal Palace v Southampton on Saturday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League at 11:30am.
