Maxence Lacroix had to wait until summer deadline day to arrive at Crystal Palace from VfL Wolfsburg.
The centre-back had previously played under Oliver Glasner at the Bundesliga side and reunited with the manager. In fact, it was the Austrian who signed him for Wolfsburg in 2020.
L’Equipe say it’s ‘not by chance’ that the 24-year-old ended up at Crystal Palace in the last window. They also cover comments made by the defender on his move to Selhurst Park, life in London and the manager’s role in his arrival.
The Frenchman claims Glasner’s presence made it easier for him to decide to join Crystal Palace.
“The coach really wanted me. He gave me this opportunity and the choice was quickly made,” he said.
The defender wasn’t in the squad to face Chelsea on September 1st and since then, he played every minute in the league for the Eagles. Lacroix claims this was possible because he was well received by the “family-oriented” club.
Lacroix was also honest in admitting to feeling the pressure on his debut against Leicester City. Overall, the player is thrilled with this decision to join the London club and there are multiple reasons for that.
“The only time I felt pressure was for my first match, against Leicester, I said to myself ‘that’s it, I’m here, now I have to go!’ After that, it happened by itself, and I continued,” Lacroix explained.
“I always wanted to play at the highest level and this is the best league in the world. You face the best every weekend. I also really like the environment, the fans, the stadiums, it’s very British, I feel comfortable.”
On goals for Crystal Palace and for himself, he said: “Now that the train is launched, we will go as far as possible, he hopes. We have the quality to go and tease the top half of the table.”
“And for me? My goal is to become one of the best defenders in the Premier League.”
