Dougie Freedman

Eagles boss doesn’t want to take the praise for their upsurge in fortunes

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Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman refused to take any credit for the Eagles’ remarkable turnaround ahead of their Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Cardiff.

Freedman took over the south east Londoners on January 1 last year with the Selhurst Park club languishing in 23rd place after a 3-0 defeat to fierce rivals Millwall.

He guided them to safety and has led the Eagles to 13th in the league so far this season, just six points off the play-offs, as well as the Carling Cup semi-final, beating Manchester United in the process.

“It’s not about myself, it’s about the player’s desire and ability to win games of football. I’m not surprised about that,” Freedman said when asked whether he was surprised at how well he had done in his first year in management.

“I am surprised by the consistency that they’ve shown, especially in the League Cup.

“We have dipped in form over the league games but I put that down to having a small squad in terms of rotation – it’s been very difficult.”

The Eagles boss was as complimentary about the opposition, in particular Bluebirds’ star midfielder Peter Whittingham.

“He is the best central midfielder in this division,” Freedman added. “I can pretty much tell you how many hours a night he sleeps.

“We have studied him and we know exactly what he does. I know exactly where his passes go. My player’s know everything.

“It will be hostile. I understand who gets on the ball for them and who makes them tick. If we do what we do best that hostility will go down.”

Not only has Freedman analysed the opposition he has also prepared for any eventuality.

“You prepare for different scenarios. We prepared a few months ago as to what we’d do if we had a man sent off,” Freedman added.

“We had a man sent off against Leeds and I pretty much didn’t give any information to the lads because we were prepared for that scenario.

“We will prepare for high tempo at the beginning and late goals. We’ve got to get a right balance in terms of first-half, second-half scenarios.

“We are prepared for penalties.”