Powell: Hopefully we can go one better and win it

Under-21s

15 Apr 2024

Ahead of the clash with Jong PSV in the Premier League International Cup final, Crystal Palace Under-21s Head Coach Darren Powell was optimistic in his assessment of the game and looked forward to the support at Selhurst Park.

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The game comes 10 days after the conclusion of their Premier League 2 campaign, which has improved the manager's preparation going into the final. “We've prepared well," Powell explains.

“Again, we've had a few knocks and a couple of injuries, which has kind of been the story of our season but that's no excuse really. We're in a position where we can get some silverware.

“In terms of preparation, we've been fine with it. The flip side to that is if we would have beaten Liverpool [in the PL2 play-offs], we would have had to have played on Sunday and then obviously played on this Wednesday.

“So, it wouldn't have been ideal but it would have been a bit difficult with us with the low numbers that we've got for the league but for us planning, we've had time to look over PSV and work on what we do and what we need to do to win the game.”

Premier League International Cup Highlights: Crystal Palace 4-2 Everton

As for what fans can expect from the players, as a result of the preparation Powell said: “First and foremost, what everyone should expect is a fully motivated team that, once again, got to a final against the team that we played last year.

“So, there's a lot on it. Ultimately it's a one-off game, a game where we're at home and we want to right the wrong of last year really. I believe the boys are in sync with that and they want to do everything to win the game as well.”

Indeed, the side will be aiming to redeem themselves for last season’s final against PSV, and on the opposition Powell added: “They’ve moved on their older players and then they just ultimately bring the next line of players up. They’re a possession-based team. They use the ball well.

“They play through the thirds, they’ve got very good individuals and then they play in a way where they want to control the ball.

“Again, not too dissimilar from last year. The structure might be slightly different but again, they've got very good individuals that work well as a team.

“So, for us, we've got to be fully concentrated and committed with our jobs and our roles and responsibilities but on the flip side of that: if we play as well as I know we can, we can hurt them as well.”

While PSV may have chopped and changed their side, some players from last season’s final may potentially feature again for both teams. For Palace, that may include the likes of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and David Ozoh who have previously featured for the Under-21s this season.

“There's a couple that played there last year, Ozoh, Jes, Kaden [Rodney]. So there's three of them that had that experience. Hopefully with that, and the way in which we want to play can help us get across the line this time.”

“[There’s also] Joe Whitworth, who's our captain, you know, he's won U21s player of the season.

“He's been immense for us. The amount of saves that he pulls off, whether it's one v ones or shots in and around the box. He's kept us in a lot of games and the penalties that he's saved as well.

“But not just that, him as a person, as a leader and as a character, it helps. He's always driving the boys and again, it's not easy being in his position and trying to influence the team, but he does.”

“There are also players that have a bit of a story to tell as well. Justin [Devenny], his first full season with the group and how he's adapted to it. He's a consistent performer. He works his socks off as well. So there's a good blend of players there. You've got match winners.

“You've got Roshaun [Mathurin] as well, who's another one who, on his day, can win you a match on his own. You've got Mola [Ademola Ola-Adebomi], who's just come back from loan. You hope his performances can mature and he can mature and, you know, he can put on a performance of maturity as well.”

Joe Whitworth on winning U21s Player of the Season

Most of the players in the Under-21s vying for a place in the starting XI against PSV have also had exposure to first-team training. For some that would be both across the road at Copers Cope and also on loan. This is a vital development mechanism which Powell highlights.

“This is what we want to do. We want to get as many boys across the road and experience the [first-team] level, the intensity, the energy and how you prepare to get yourself over it.

“It's not just about getting over there, it's about being able to stay over there. So it's a good experience for them. They get a taste of it.

“Do they want it again? No doubt they do, but they've got to keep working hard to get themselves over there and to stay over there.”

Finally, reflecting on the support the side received last season, the U21s Head Coach hopes to see more of the same: “I remember last time the noise and the ultras, the lift [they gave us]. The whole atmosphere was brilliant and I'll never forget it, I believe the boys won't forget that as well.

“But the backing is there, you hear it from the supporters and we're really appreciative. We appreciate when they come out and give us their time. Hopefully we can just go one better this time and win it for the club, for the supporters and for the players that have been involved with it as well.”

“They want to win and rightly so. There's big factors in it. Again, same team as last year, the final, Selhurst Park, in front of your crowd, in front of, no doubt, senior management. I mean, the motivation is there in itself.

“It'll finish off a good season for us, considering the amount of injuries that we've had, we’ve still got ourselves into the play-offs and got ourselves into another final. It'll finish it off and I know the boys would want to do it.

“For the supporters to come out in numbers and support us like they did and have been through our games over at Sutton - we appreciate it. Just bring the noise, bring the atmosphere like last year and hopefully we can do it for them this time around.”

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