Jean-Philippe Mateta excited for Crystal Palace development during three-week break Eagles do not play a Premier League game until March 30
Jean-Philippe Mateta says Crystal Palace will benefit from three weeks on the training pitch without any competitive matches.
Palace had Saturday’s home game against Newcastle postponed because the Magpies are in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Eagles do not play again March 30 when they visit Nottingham Forest after the international break.
Until then, their only fixture is a behind-closed-doors friendly in Marbella against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.
Speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Luton Town at Selhurst Park, Mateta said of Palace’s break from competitive action: “I think it’s beneficial. We’re going to work hard for these weeks. We’re going to work with the new coach, which is good for us.
“We’re going to work on the details, what the gaffer wants from us on the pitch. I think it’s good. We’re going to stay focused for the next game, get three points and then we’ll see.”
Mateta gave Palace an early lead against Luton, but Cauley Woodrow’s 96th-minute equaliser denied Oliver Glasner’s side victory.
“We started well, scored and made chances, but you know football — them scoring in the last minute was hard for us”, Mateta said.
“It’s football. We had chances, but they scored. In the end, we didn’t manage the game well. We have to keep working.”
