Slav sets out his Palace target
The boss has had the non internationals squad members in every day for intensive training and much of his and the coaching staff’s energies have been concentrated on the back four.
Insiders admit the point against the Boro was “just about acceptable” despite expectations of a win being high. Now the Selhurst Park “target” is the first clean sheet since opening day against Bournemouth.
The happy-go-lucky atmosphere on the training ground has been replaced with an intense work ethic and Slav himself is clearly in sombre and serious mode as he bids to turn the club’s fortunes.
We were told: “He’s very serious and it is clear indeed that he is now down to business with a vengeance. The pressure is on and it shows. The squad know a clean sheet is the big target.
“In circumstances such as this every match carries its own target. The point against Middlesborough was acceptable but now a clean sheet is the objective at Palace.
“We could have one or two back and with things tighter at the back this becomes a winnable game with a clean sheet. The next target will obviously be a win against Sunderland.”