Hodgson dismisses 'disrespectful' Cooper talk

2 years ago 48

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Roy Hodgson grimaces during Crystal Palace's 3-1 win over Brentford

Roy Hodgson dismissed "disrespectful" speculation he could be replaced as Crystal Palace manager by ex-Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.

It had been reported that Hodgson could have lost his job if they had lost.

When asked about the Cooper rumours, Hodgson said it was of "no interest to me at all" and "to suggest that it should is disrespectful".

"I'm 76 years of age. I've been working 47 years, I've got a CBE for my services and I've got a CV which is incredible," Hodgson said.

"So my final answer to you is that it makes no difference."

Palace's win over the Bees was their first at home since 3 September and came courtesy of two goals from Michael Olise either side of Eberechi Eze's strike.

The performance of attacking midfielder Olise particularly caught the eye and he has now scored five goals and seven assists in his past 16 Premier League starts.

Hodgson played down worries the 22-year-old had picked up an injury after he pulled up late in the game.

"I spoke to him [Olise] and he didn't seem overly concerned," Hodgson added.

"I spoke to the doctor and he wasn't sort of shaking his head suggesting he needs a scan tomorrow, or we will have to fear the worst. He wasn't doing that.

"Of course we won't know until he gets back into training and we assess him and look at it. But it would be really, really unlucky and I don't think it was a major snapping or muscle."

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