Roy Hodgson expected to step down as Crystal Palace manager and will consider RETIREMENT after falling ill during training… though Mikel Arteta believes his ‘love for football’ will see him make a quick return
- Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson fell ill during training on Thursday
- It was previously reported that he would be sacked due to Palace’s poor form
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Roy Hodgson is expected to step down as Crystal Palace manager and consider taking an indefinite leave from the sport.
The 76-year-old was rushed to hospital on Thursday after falling ill in training, after it was previously reported he would be sacked following a run of just three wins in 19 games in all competitions.
The episode unfolded in full view of his team and colleagues in the backroom, with many reportedly visibly shaken by the incident.
Hodgson, received immediate medical attention at the scene before being taken to hospital for further treatment and tests.
He will seek medical advice before making a final decision on his future in football, although he is expected to resign from his role at Crystal Palace.
Roy Hodgson is considering his future in football after falling ill during training
Mikel Arteta believes Hodgson’s ‘love of football’ will see him return to the dugout soon
It was previously reported that Hodgson could be sacked following Palace’s poor form
However, on Friday Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta paid a glowing tribute and said he could be back ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit to Goodison Park on Monday.
“Hopefully he’s feeling a lot better and if that’s the case, knowing Roy, I think he’ll be there tomorrow because he’s enjoying it so much,” the Arsenal manager said at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s visit to Burnley.
“But yeah, we’re all very concerned about the situation and hopefully he’ll be okay.”
On the stress managers work under, Arteta added: ‘There’s that part, but there’s also the part of joy and how beautiful our jobs are.
‘Often (pressure) has to do with where you are, but it’s part of the job.’
There was encouragement on Thursday night that Hodgson was recovering well, but it is not expected he will not be good enough to take charge in Palace’s crucial relegation match against Everton on Monday night – with his trusted lieutenant Ray Lewington and assistant Paddy McCarthy on standby to take the lead at Goodison Park.
A statement from the club last night said: ‘Following news that Roy Hodgson fell ill during today’s training, we can confirm that he is now stable and currently undergoing tests in hospital. Everyone at the club sends Roy their best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
Hodgson was forced to miss the match against Aston Villa in September after falling ill, raising concerns for his well-being.
There was encouragement on Thursday evening as Hodgson made a good recovery, although he is not expected to be in the dugout for Monday’s match against Everton
Austrian coach Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks over Hodgson’s replacement at Selhurst Park
He underwent health tests earlier this season but was cleared to continue working.
Austrian coach Oliver Glasner, formerly of Eintracht Frankfurt, is in advanced talks to replace Hodgson on an initial two-and-a-half-year contract.
Steve Cooper, Kieran McKenna and Julen Lopetegui have all been contacted in recent weeks as the club look for a replacement for Hodgson. But the trio all had reservations about taking the job mid-season, now that the way was clear for Glasner, who was recommended by co-owner John Textor, to take over.
