Crystal Palace boss explains Romain Esse’s lack of minutes since Millwall transfer

Oliver Glasner has urged Romain Esse to remain patient over his lack of minutes at Crystal Palace since joining from Millwall in the January transfer window.

Esse – after completing a £14.5million switch from the Lions – scored on his very first touch in a Palace shirt in a substitute appearance during the 2-1 defeat at home to Brentford.

He has been limited to 28 minutes in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Doncaster and has been an unused substitute in the last three Premier League outings.

“I spoke to him,” said Glasner. 

“He didn’t sign for three months, he signed for five-and-a-half years. It is time to be patient and wait for the situation for minutes. 

“It is about how the game is going. We did excellently against Fulham, the players didn’t look really tired, and it is also about what the game needs.

“We were 2-0 up, so it is about who is best for our tactical habits – especially when we make changes to our front three. 

“I have to think: ‘Do we need a dribbler, more possession, someone tactically on the top level or with more pace?’ 

“Then we have all the different players here, and we decide who gets minutes. 

“It is always about what the team needs and has nothing to do with an individual player.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD