DOUGIE FREEDMAN was always sure that Jean-Philippe Mateta would come good.
Mateta, who Palace’s sporting director signed from Mainz in 2021, managed just 10 league goals in over three years before Oliver Glasner’s appointment in mid-February, but the Scot continued to insist in private that he would prove a success.
Under Glasner, Mateta scored 13 times in as many appearances, including a hat-trick against Aston Villa on the final day of the season last Sunday.
The striker, 26, appeared one of the few black marks on Freedman’s recruitment record, but now he has been vindicated, and there is a growing sense at Palace that they have finally found the progressive, tactically astute coach to bring out the best in their cannily- assembled squad.
Already, Glasner has turned down an approach from Bayern Munich and Freedman is set to agree a new Palace contract, following interest from Newcastle. With the pair working in tandem, fans have rarely been so excited about the club’s potential.
Freedman has established himself as one of the smartest talent-spotters in English football and Glasner’s side, which finished the campaign unbeaten in seven games to clinch their highest-ever Premier League points total, is built around his signings.
This story is from the May 24, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the May 24, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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