Roy Hodgson demands a ‘lack of fear’ from his Crystal Palace amid relegation scrap

Roy Hodgson has demanded a “lack of fear” from Crystal Palace players ahead of their first game since being reappointed by the struggling Premier League.

The 75-year-old former England manager, who was in charge of the Eagles between 2017 and 2021, returned to Selhurst Park last week on a contract until the end of the season following the sacking of Patrick Vieira.

Palace are on an alarming 12-game winless run in the top flight and sit just three points above the relegation zone heading into Saturday’s home game with 17th-placed Leicester.

Speaking of the upcoming match, Hodgson told his club’s website: “I want to see some energy.” I want to see some enthusiasm.

“I want to see that they (the players) are aware of our situation, and they are aware that the fans also need to be encouraged (and want) to see a team that they can believe in and support.”

“Any tactical changes or adjustments we want to make, we’ll be working on from now until the end of May, but for this first game… I want energy, I want enthusiasm, I want optimism and I want foul.” scary.

“I want players with the quality that we have to show those qualities and not be afraid that they’re going to fail in some way.”

“Come out, don’t be afraid to fail, trust yourself, trust your teammates, and trust our fans will push us.”

Palace’s last win was a 2-0 success at the second last Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve.

The Eagles have collected just five points from a possible 36 and netted just five goals since then, having been thrashed 4-1 by leaders Arsenal two days after Vieira’s sacking on March 17.

This weekend’s clash with the Foxes is the first of six straight meetings against other clubs struggling to overcome the drop, followed by Leeds, Southampton, Everton, Wolves and West Ham.