Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner fires dig at Chelsea after Trevoh Chalobah saga | OneFootball

Eagles boss frustrated to lose key player after brief loan stint

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed his frustration at losing defender Trevoh Chalobah.

The Eagles signed the Chelsea defender on a season-long loan deal back in August, with Chalobah going on to make 14 appearances for the club across all competitions after he was frozen out of the first-team picture at Stamford Bridge.

Chalobah was starting to establish himself as a key player under Glasner and had even scored three goals during his brief spell at Selhurst Park.

Chelsea then triggered a clause in the contract to recall their academy graduate after injuries to Blues defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.

Standard Sport, however, understands Chelsea are ready to sell the 25-year-old this summer should he want to leave.

Palace had become increasingly fearful of such an outcome and the decision was made less than 24 hours before their 2-0 win over Leicester on Wednesday night.

Farewell: Trevoh Chalobah has returned to Chelsea after a loan spell with Crystal Palace

REUTERS

Asked about the situation after the victory at the King Power Stadium, Glasner said: “I’m not sure disappointing is the right word.

“Trevoh had a great time with us.

“When you make a loan deal it is usually win-win for everyone, but now Chelsea are the biggest winners because they get a player back who scored three goals and is in much better shape than when he arrived.

“I want to say thanks to Trevoh for his professionalism and for what he invested. He is a very good player and an even better human. We had a great time together and I wish him all the best at Chelsea.”

Glasner was pleased with the three points on Wednesday but admitted the performance was not up to scratch.

"We are very pleased with the result, with the three points and clean sheet," he said.

"We are not really happy and satisfied with the performance, especially in the first half. We were lucky it was a draw at half-time.

"Big credit to the players that they could adjust it at half-time but I still think it was not our best performance.

"I didn't know exactly that we have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League in away games. This is crucial and it helps us."

Palace are back in action on Saturday when they travel to West Ham.