CPFC vs Brøndby IF

Crystal Palace v Brøndby IF Saturday 5th September 2020 // 3pm

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H

ello and ‘welcome back’ to everyone reading this. I hope the past few weeks have been enjoyable for you all and

that, more importantly, you and your loved ones are safe and well.

I am disappointed that we are again commencing a period of football without our supporters present. When our match against

Football provided some relief and escape at the height of the pandemic

AFC Bournemouth was postponed in March, none of us thought we would be preparing for the 2020/21 season without you. Alas,

Hopefully this will be a less disrupted

that remains a necessary precaution and

campaign than the last and that we, as a

the safety measures we follow now will no

country and football community, can consign

doubt ensure a swifter and smoother return to

the trauma of recent months to the past,

capacity in the time ahead.

recovering both safely and united after such

Recent months have been unusual both on

a collective upheaval. Football provided

and off the pitch, however, and the turnaround

some relief and escape at the height of the

between seasons this year was incredibly

pandemic, and I have no doubt it will continue

short. As professionals, the players and I

to do so in the coming weeks.

accept the circumstances in which we are

I am pleased to see and hear that fans

asked to compete in, however the three-week

are steadily returning to stadia, and must

summer break and intense end to 2019/20 will

confess I am also relieved to return to a more

certainly have an effect on this season.

normal schedule – playing once or twice a

I am glad we enabled the players to rest somewhat during lockdown, but isolation and

week as opposed to every few days.

For our third game at Selhurst Park in the

remotely guided fitness routines are not the

pre-season calendar, I would like to welcome

same as a protracted period with family and

Niels Frederiksen, his staff and players from

friends in the open air, on holiday, or wherever

Brøndby IF. It is a privilege for the club to host

‘home’ feels most natural.

such high calibre opposition, and I have fond

Returning once again this summer was

memories of working in Denmark with F.C.

a positive moment for us as a group, and the

Copenhagen. Brøndby are a club with a top

team began their pre-season preparations well.

pedigree and alongside rivals F.C. Copenhagen

We have a small squad, but it is comprised of

and F.C. Midtjylland comprise a serious threat

fine professionals, and they are as focused

in European competitions. I am expecting a

and excited for the upcoming season as ever. I

challenging and testing afternoon.

am delighted to welcome two new signings to bolster our group, and I am confident that you

I hope to see you all again soon, but in the meantime...

will be as pleased with Nathan Ferguson and Eberechi Eze as we are. They both have bright

Enjoy the game.

futures in front of them.

The manager

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W

e are back already, for our eighth consecutive season in the Premier League, and I couldn’t be prouder

to once again be captaining this side.

Nathan and Eberechi have come in and their youthfulness has already been a great injection into this squad. We have a lot of experience but it’s important to find

Our season aims have not changed; we continue to look up and push

that balance between players like Nathan, Eberechi, Tyrick and Brandon with the longtime Palace players like Macca, Jeff and

Of course, we are starting yet again and

Kells. Contract extensions for these guys will

our fans are still not with us. That is what we

be excellent in showing signings like Nathan

want more than most. I saw Ander Herrera’s

and Eberechi the way things work at our club

interview after the Champions League final,

and to help them settle in.

when he said that playing without fans isn’t

With our post-lockdown results, it was pleasing to end the way we did against a Tottenham Hotspur side who, until almost

what football is about. I liked this interview: it was honest, simple and true.

I cannot add to that but I will continue to

the last game, had a chance at Champions

keep telling you what your absence means

League qualification. We showed many of

because it is hard for you and us. Especially

the characteristics that had, up until the

in the circumstances we find ourselves in,

coronavirus pause on football, meant we

returning to work after just a three-week

ourselves had a chance at playing in Europe

break. We have planned well, trained right

this season.

and are ready to go but it is sometimes hard to

Looking back, I will remember the whole season fondly. I think of Jordan’s strike at the

know how your body will react.

Our final test before Southampton come

seaside or his Goal of the Season v West Ham

to our home of Selhurst is against Brøndby

United, of the performance the team put in at the

IF. The guys always look forward to our

Etihad and my penalty in the comeback against

high-profile friendly that means the start

Arsenal at the Emirates. It was a season of

of our season is close - it’s usually a great

spells – after beating Burnley in November

family-fun day and we meet lots of new faces

we lost just once in the next nine league

when we stop for pictures and autographs.

games. Then the run of four clean sheets that

It sadly will not be like that today but it still

came before and after lockdown. We had our

offers us a unique experience in facing a team

moments: good, bad and near misses.

from Denmark’s main league who also play

Our season aims have not changed; we continue to look up and push towards the top-

regularly in the Europa League. Wherever you are...

half, but with an appreciation that for this club to secure a ninth season running in the best league

Make some noise!

in the world would be a great achievement.

the captain

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I

am delighted to be welcoming such high calibre opposition to Selhurst Park today as we prepare for our eighth consecutive

season in the Premier League, and I look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible back to Selhurst Park soon.

It isn’t long until we’re able to host supporters again to follow the team in

striking a healthy balance between youth and experience

person, and I eagerly await the day Selhurst houses a full crowd. A packed house, vibrant atmosphere and the matchday itself is what

Nathan and Ebere. Both of these young men

first attracts and then holds on to all of us as

are exceptionally talented players in their

football fans.

own right and represent fantastic arrivals

Fortunately, we are nearing being

into Roy’s squad, but equally importantly,

reconnected with such experiences, and

they truly represent our long-term ambition.

whilst we must compete in two competitive

Crystal Palace has always thrived with

home games behind closed doors, we will see

hungry young players in the squad, and

many of you soon. It will not be the same with

we are intent on striking a healthy balance

reduced capacity, and nothing can replicate a

between youth and experience.

matchday with 25,000 fans, but it is a step in the right direction back towards normality.

We are firmly of the opinion that this

I must credit the work that takes place every day of the year behind the scenes to identify and attract such players, and rest

might be sooner rather than later, which is

assured that Dougie, Roy and I have a shared

why we have placed Season Tickets on sale.

vision about our future and what is required

None of us want a less than full stadium when

to fulfil our ambition. I hope you see further

crowds are allowed as we especially need

evidence of this in the coming weeks.

a full Selhurst, so thank you to all those fans

It has been a promising pre-season so

who have already purchased and I would

far with wins over Oxford United, Charlton and

encourage as many of you as possible to do

Millwall, and I’m pleased that so many of you

the same.

tuned into the matches on Palace TV, where I

Credit must go to the Premier League and all of the staff here at the club for not only

hope you are also watching today.

I cannot think of a better way to prepare

organising a well-run, safe and successful

for our Premier League opener this time next

completion of last season, but also for ensuring

week than by hosting such a fine club in

a swift turnaround in preparation for 20/21.

Brøndby IF. I look forward to a fantastic and

Every week, leagues, clubs and individuals

competitive challenge this afternoon, and to

find themselves in uncharted waters, so it is no

another memorable season for the club.

mean feat to have played every single game.

Another step in the right direction over recent weeks has been our signings of

Thank you for your continued support, and stay safe everyone.

Up the Palace.

the chairman

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game that changed my career 1-1

A footballer’s debut is, understandably, usually the game that means the most to them;

17th December, 2011 Premier League

hard work rewarded and a dream achieved.

However, that footballing bow doesn’t necessarily represent the 90 minutes that had the biggest impact on a player’s career.

“Straight away, though, I was like: ‘I’ll have a bit of that’”

Throughout this season, we will be talking to past and present Eagles to find out which match has had the biggest bearing on their career.

This week it is Peter Pan himself, Aaron Wilbraham, on his Premier League debut for

“Coming on against Everton at Goodison Park was

Norwich City on 17th December, 2011; a game

my Premier League debut and the first thing I had

that ended with a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

to do was mark Marouane Fellaini at a corner – he was massive, aggressive and trying to elbow me because I was trying to pull his shirt.

“Straight away, though, I was like: ‘I’ll have a bit of that.’

“I remember my teammate at the time, Marc Tierney, saying to me after the game: ‘Tick!’ as in: there’s another league achievement ticked off,

alby

getting a taste of the Premier League.

“When I talk about my change in mentality

that allowed me to still be playing at 40, it was that moment; having a taste of that and exposure to the Premier League.

“Since then, if you look at my career, I’ve had

the promotion with Palace to the Prem and then straight to Bristol City and winning the league with them. Then heading to Bolton Wanderers and keeping them up on the last day, and scoring against Newcastle United in the FA Cup with Rochdale.

“That Premier League debut changed me.”

game that changed my career

10 With a new contract signed at Palace, Stephen Henderson doesn’t view himself as a third-choice ‘keeper.

Here, with Dan Blazer, the man between sticks talks Vicente Guaita, conversations with Dean Kiely before signing for Palace and plenty more.

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T

he old adage ‘there’s no place like home’ couldn’t be truer for Crystal Palace goalkeeper,

Stephen Henderson, with the proud Irishman having spent the three or so weeks footballers called a summer break back home.

“I pretty much had a staycation in Ireland,” Henderson reveals. “I’d say they [Republic of Ireland] are twice as strict as back here [on COVID-19 protocols] – as I left for pre-season back here they were starting to lock counties down again, which is quite worrying.

“As you can imagine the shopping centres are dead, and the famous Grafton Street in Dublin had not a soul on it; very sad to see.

“But my family’s and my staycation was something we had never done before and it was truly enjoyable - it went very quickly as you can imagine.”

With Henderson revealing what his summer break entailed, the ‘keeper inadvertently answered our second question: where is home?

After all, it’s a fair question; this is a Dubliner who moved to Aston Villa’s youth team before heading to Bristol City and by the time you throw in 11 loan spells, and a move from Nottingham Forest to Crystal Palace, Henderson’s longest permanent stay at one club, with no loan spell upheaval, was his two years at Charlton Athletic.

“Good question!” Henderson amusingly quips that he himself

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Eventually I imagine I’ll end up back in Dublin but you just never know – that’s the plan today but it could change tomorrow

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doesn’t know where he’ll ‘hang his hat’ come the end of the day. “It has been exhausting; I’ve probably lived in 15 different properties and I’m currently moving again because my rented property has been sold, so it has been a bit stressful.

“It is part and parcel of the career, I suppose,” he accepts.

“Eventually I imagine I’ll end up back in Dublin but you just never know – that’s the plan today but it could change tomorrow.”

The plan at the moment is very clear, though: be ready to step in between the sticks for Crystal Palace if the opportunity arises.

Despite not yet having featured competitively for the first-team, Henderson must be doing something right, with the former West Ham United shot stopper recently signing a new contract for the Eagles, alongside Jeffrey Schlupp and Martin Kelly.

“When I signed, Deano [goalkeeper coach Dean Kiely] laid it out to me: I’m out of contract; I was jobless. I’m a realist and I know what the game is like,” Henderson admits.

“I had a good conversation with Deano and he told me exactly my role. Furthermore, I knew I was up against, in my opinion, one of the top ‘keepers in the league in Vicente [Guaita], so it wasn’t a case of that I was going to come in expecting to play.

“But instead: show a good account of myself, encourage

main interview

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them, too, and work on staying fit, which has been a problem throughout my career.

“Thankfully I didn’t miss a day of training last year and played Under-23 games so it was good.”

Very much objective complete in Henderson’s first season in south London. But what next and why the decision to remain an Eagle?

“I love working with Deano; I’ve learnt so much from him plus the gaffer, Ray [Lewington] and Dave

I’m constantly learning; we have a fantastic manager that I’m taking stuff on board from for my coaching journey as well

[Reddington] – don’t get me wrong, it is obviously frustrating not playing but seeing where I was maybe two years ago, I’m just grateful to be at a Premier League club like Palace

Bridge. But at other times, it has offered a talented

and still learning from the boys.

‘keeper another chance and that’s certainly how

“Vicente and Wayne [Hennessey] are excellent and Deano is one of the top coaches in the country.

“I’m constantly learning; we have a fantastic manager that I’m taking stuff on board from for my coaching journey as well.

“I’m just trying to take the

Henderson views his role in Roy Hodgson’s squad – he’s not making up the numbers.

“I’m taking everything more seriously across diet, gym work and sleeping – all the things that contribute keeping yourself at the highest level,” he reveals.

“I’ve had two potential career-ending injuries, which I was lucky to come back from – the last one I did was the real kick up the bum I needed

positives despite not playing at the

and said: ‘this can’t happen anymore’ so I worked

moment and staying ready if the

harder in the gym and got myself into the best

opportunity ever does arise,” the

physical shape I could be in.”

former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international says with a spark.

The perceived third-choice

The goalkeeping position is the most competitive in a squad; there was no slotting in at right-back for Henderson when Guaita and

goalkeeper in football has always

Hennessey were both fit. Therefore, it can be

been a fascinating position. At

assumed that it is a difficult internal balancing act

times, it has seen unlikely moves

when the player keeping you away from first-team

such as Scott Carson joining

minutes makes an uncharacteristic mistake.

Manchester City or a 38-year-old Rob Green heading to Stamford

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Not for Henderson, though; he is there for his teammate as a priority – just like he was on

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1st February, 2020, when an own goal from Palace’s No.31 handed Sheffield United all three points.

You can sense Henderson recoil when he goes on to say: “I can’t speak for other goalkeepers, but when stuff like that does happen – which isn’t often with Wayne and Vicente – the emotion I get is exactly like I’d done the same thing in a game: that sickly feeling where

In the grand scheme of things, he has been fantastic. If it wasn’t Jordan it was Vicente as Player of the Season for me

you just want to jump in a hole.

“I was gutted for Vicente but I knew he would bounce back and he had already made four or five good saves in that game.

“In the grand scheme of things,

Henderson’s career isn’t a standard one.

Eleven loan spells, two almost-career-ending injuries, 16 league appearances since 2016 off the

he has been fantastic. If it wasn’t

back of making 53 between 2014-2016; it has been

Jordan [Ayew] it was Vicente

one full of adversity and upheaval as well as highs

as Player of the Season for me,”

such as being called up to the Republic of Ireland

Henderson reveals.

international squad.

Throughout our chat, the word

It’s perhaps not the career path he envisaged

‘coaching’ regularly pops up. And

as a Dubliner moving to Aston Villa’s academy, but

the way Henderson has conducted

the 14 years and counting as a first-team player

himself at Palace suggests that he is

mean Henderson knows exactly what to say when

fully aware that, in all but job title, he

asked: what would you say, as a coach, to your-

is a football coach due to the close-

18-year-old-self breaking through?

knit relationship between the club’s Academy and first-team squad: “As a senior player, it is right

“Don’t take anything personally from any criticism,” he instantly responds. “And stay off social media. I just don’t think there’s any real

to set a good example when

positives from it to be honest, especially for young

you do dropdown to the ‘23s

kids now.

because you’re trying to show

“When you’re doing well it is great. But when

professionalism and encourage

it is going tough it can be a toxic environment -

the lads because a lot of them

kids now are fully aware of the beauty and the

don’t know what they’re in for.

beast of social media.”

Perhaps they know the ups but

And Henderson is fully aware of the beauty

more so the downs is what you

and the beast of a footballer’s career. But for the

can prepare them for or help them

2020/21 season, he has his sights firmly set on

through,” he explains.

being belle of the (foot)ball.

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B

røndby IF are one of the most decorated clubs in Denmark, currently experiencing a resurgence after

near-collapse in recent years. Their high calibre squad features internationals, notable new arrivals and promising young talents.

opposition

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player profile

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Age

25

Height

1.88m

Foot

Right

Joined

Jul 1, 2018

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Eintracht Frankfurt II, 1899 Hoffenheim II, 1899 Hoffenheim, Brøndby IF

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Marvin Schwäbe POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: GERMANY

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Keeping the third most clean sheets in the league last season, Schwäbe has been a regular No.1 for Brøndby over the last two campaigns. With Germany Under-21 experience also under his belt, the shot stopper is one to watch.

Jens Martin Gammelby

Sigurd Rosted

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: NORWAY

05 36 apps 13 clean sheets official matchday programme

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Andreas Maxsø

Hjörtur Hermannsson

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ICELAND

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Kevin Mensah

Andreas Bruus

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

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32 apps 3 goals

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Joel Kabongo

Anton Skipper

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

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player profile

Anthony Jung Age

28

Height

1.86m

Foot

Left

Joined

Jul 1, 2018

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: GERMANY

Germany Under-20 defender Jung is a stalwart part of the Brøndby defence, playing more games in the back line last season than any other player.

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

Having played for FSV Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt II, FSV Frankfurt II, FSV Frankfurt,

and RB Leipzig, the 28-year-old is

RB Leipzig, Brøndby IF

reaching the peak of his career.

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Rezan Corlu

Jesper Lindstrøm

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

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1 goal 3 assists

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Morten Frendrup

Lasse Vigen

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

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player profile

Josip Radosevic Age

26

Height

1.80m

Foot

Right

Joined

Jul 27, 2018

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: CROATIA

A regular defensive midfielder, Radoševic plays a key role in maintaining Brøndby’s relatively tight defensive record. The Croatian suffered a serious shoulder injury in October 2019,

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

but still played 27 of 36 games

Hajduk Split, Napoli, Red Bull Salzburg, Hajduk Split, Brøndby IF

for the Danish outfit.

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player profile

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Age

27

Height

1.73m

Foot

Right

Joined

Jan 11, 2019

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Elfsborg, Union Berlin, Brøndby IF

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Simon Hedlund POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: SWEDEN

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Signing a four-and-a-half year contract in January 2019, Hedlund has proved a fine bit of business for Brøndby.

Bagging four times in half a season, he went on to be involved in 16 goals in 19/20 - a key part of the attack.

Anis Slimane

Peter Bjur

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: NORWAY

42 5 goals 11 assists

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Tobias Børkeeiet

Mikael Uhre

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: NORWAY

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: DENMARK

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Manchester United v Crystal Palace, 4/10/97 Former Brøndby IF ‘keeper, Peter Schmeichel, is beaten by a George Ndah effort. However, the Palace striker’s attempt at Old Trafford goes just wide in a game the Eagles eventually lose 2-0.

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ADAPT

ACCELERATE

TOUCH

LIGHT

SPEED

FINISHING

Crystal palace f.c.

Joel WARD Patrick VAN AANHOLT Luka MILIVOJEVIC James TOMKINS Scott DANN Max MEYER Cheikhou KOUYATÉ Jordan AYEW Andros TOWNSEND Wilfried ZAHA Mamadou SAKHO (GK) Wayne HENNESSEY Jeffrey SCHLUPP Christian BENTEKE James McARTHUR (GK) Stephen HENDERSON James McCARTHY Gary CAHILL Tyrick MITCHELL (GK) Vicente GUAITA Jaroslaw JACH Martin KELLY Sam WOODS Nya KIRBY Brandon PIERRICK John-Kymani GORDON Malachi BOATENG Jaïro RIEDEWALD Ryan INNISS Nathan FERGUSON Eberechi EZE

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Brøndby IF

Andre Marriner Eddie Smart Andy Hendley Steve Child

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Marvin SCHWÄBE (GK) Jens Martin GAMMELBY Anthony JUNG Sigurd ROSTED Andreas MAXSØ Hjörtur HERMANNSSON Rezan CORLU Mikael UHRE Kevin MENSAH Michael TØRNES (GK) Andreas BRUUS Jesper LINDSTRØM Morten FRENDRUP Lasse VIGEN Josip RADOSEVIC Joel KABONGO Anis SLIMANE Simon HEDLUND Anton SKIPPER Peter BJUR Mads HERMANSEN (GK) Tobias BØRKEEIET