Saturday 16 August 2014 21:45, UK
Keith Millen has no issue with being caretaker boss at Crystal Palace, but expects them to step up their manager hunt.
Palace find themselves in managerial limbo following the shock departure of Tony Pulis.
Millen has been handed the reins on an interim basis, a role he has filled in the past and is accustomed to.
His first game at the helm this time around saw Palace put in a positive performance away at London rivals Arsenal, but lose an opening weekend derby 2-1 in dramatic circumstances.
Palace now have a week to prepare for their next outing, against another capital foe in the form of West Ham United, and Millen is reluctant to speculate on whether he will still be charge for that contest.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m in charge on Monday, as far as I know. I’ve been here before. The last time I had four weeks of it. I honestly don’t know.
“I think the chairman will be keen to get a new manager in as soon as possible.
“The lads have been great again for us today and I’m very proud of them.”
Palace shrugged off the events of a testing week to take the lead against Arsenal, with Brede Hangeland nodding them in front.
They were, however, to be pegged back by Laurent Koscielny before half-time and, after Jason Puncheon saw red late on, Aaron Ramsey grabbed a last-gasp winner for the hosts at Emirates Stadium.
We were delighted with our shape but to concede the two goals from set-pieces, that’s the hardest thing and the most disappointing thing.
Reflecting afterwards, Millen added: “It’s hard for the lads. They are really down because they have put a great effort in.
“It’s been a tough couple of days but we said to them before they went out, ‘No excuses’.
“We were ready, we were organised. I think the biggest disappointment was the manner of the goals.
“We pride ourselves on being strong from set-pieces. With the play that Arsenal had, and they had a lot, from open play they had a few shots but nothing major.
“We were delighted with our shape but to concede the two goals from set-pieces, that’s the hardest thing and the most disappointing thing.”
