Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is in stable condition after falling ill during a training session, the club confirmed. The 76-year-old, who is the oldest manager in Premier League history, has been taken to the hospital for tests. Palace canceled a pre-match press conference ahead of their trip to Everton after Hodgson became sick on Thursday.
The manager’s health scare comes at a challenging time for the club, as they have struggled with poor form and sit 15th in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone. Their recent defeat to Chelsea further heightened concerns about their position in the league.
Palace has been in talks with Oliver Glasner, the former Eintracht Frankfurt coach, about potentially replacing Hodgson. Discussions between the club and Glasner were expected to continue, with uncertainty looming over whether Hodgson would lead the team in their upcoming match against Everton.
Glasner, who has a successful track record in European football, has been considered as a strong candidate for the position. If appointed, he would inherit a team grappling with an injury crisis that has sidelined several key players, adding to the challenges faced by the club this season.
Hodgson, known for his illustrious managerial career spanning six decades, had previously steered Palace clear of relegation danger. However, the club’s recent poor run of form has prompted them to consider a change in management, despite initially aiming to wait until the summer to appoint a new long-term manager.
The upcoming matches against fellow strugglers, including Everton and Burnley, hold significant importance for Palace as they seek to secure their position in the league. Additionally, assessing injured players further adds to the team’s concerns as they navigate through a critical juncture in their season.