The oldest manager in the Premier League takes on the youngest manager, as Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace travel to Vincent Kompany’s Burnley on Saturday.
Both clubs share similar aims of staying in the league this season, with both sides looking to gain three crucial points. Burnley are sat in 19th place, without a home win all season.
Hodgson claims the difference of experience at the highest level will not factor into the outcome of the game.
“I don’t believe that being young or being old brings any advantages, I admire what he’s done”, said Hodgson.
The experienced Palace manager’s advice to Kompany was to “keep going, keep believing and keep trying to enjoy it”.
“Burnley will be looking at this game I’m sure as a great opportunity to get three points on the board.
“The teams we’re playing next are teams which will be fighting like us to get as far away from the relegation zone as possible”.
Hodgson had also expressed disappointment in his young substitutes against Tottenham, claiming they weren’t able to change the game. He made it clear he regretted his choice of words.
“It was wrong of me to do so. Sometimes after the game it’s easy to get tempted to say things which you don’t mean”, he explained in response to his comments.
“They are progressing very well, “it is unfair to expect more of them”. Without Olise, Eze and one or two other senior players, we’re reliant upon 19-year-olds”.
Crystal Palace duo Jordan Ayew and Sam Johnstone have signed new deals to extend their stay at the club.
Ayew has signed a deal keeping him at the club until 2025, with Johnstone committing his future until 2027.
“It’s good to know the players we want to keep and who want to help us out are committing their futures to the club,” Hodgson said, who had high praise for Ayew.
“He’s got better and better, I think he’s one of the clubs best signings.” He is one of the most reliable and consistent players we have”.
