Glasner clears the air after Christantus Uche questions his trust at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has moved to defuse tensions with Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche, insisting their disagreement stems from circumstance rather than any personal rift after the player publicly suggested he had fallen out of favour.

Uche’s difficult spell in south London has been marked by limited opportunities since his loan arrival from Getafe CF.

The 22-year-old has featured 22 times across competitions, yet has largely been confined to substitute appearances and remains without a single Premier League start. His absence from matchday action has stretched close to two months, amplifying concerns over his role within the squad.

Frustration appeared to reach a tipping point earlier this week when the midfielder, speaking candidly about his situation, implied that his manager no longer believed in him.

“… I hope to make you proud whenever I do get the chance to play, but I know maybe it won’t happen again because the coach doesn’t like me,” Uche said.

The remarks quickly gained traction ahead of Palace’s crucial European fixture, prompting questions about dressing room harmony and the player’s future.

Glasner, however, used his pre-match press conference to offer clarity, revealing that the root of the issue lay in a difficult squad decision linked to UEFA competition regulations.

“For me, I never blame the player for somethings. This stays internal. Uche wasn’t registered for the second part of the Conference League. I had a conversation with him, he wasn’t pleased with it,” Glasner explained.

The Austrian detailed how a combination of squad depth and injury uncertainty influenced that call. With several attacking options already available and expectations that Eddie Nketiah would return to fitness, Uche ultimately missed out on European registration.

Glasner admitted hindsight might have altered that decision, but stressed it was purely strategic rather than personal.

“I had to take a decision due to the rules. We had new signings coming in. Honestly, If I had known that Eddie Nketiah wouldn’t get fit, Uche would have been registered,” he said, underlining the complexity of squad management at elite level.

Despite Uche’s perception, Glasner reiterated his support for the midfielder and dismissed suggestions of any breakdown in their relationship, emphasising that communication with players remains direct and internal.

Uche’s future at Palace now appears increasingly uncertain. A permanent move hinged on him making 10 Premier League starts, a threshold he has not come close to meeting.