Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson says it would be a “huge honour” to lift the Conference League trophy in front of the travelling supporters in Leipzig on Wednesday night.
Outgoing boss Oliver Glasner led the club to their first major trophy in 2024-25 when they won the FA Cup, and now the Eagles are just one step away from lifting European silverware in their first-ever European campaign.
“It would be a huge honour to lift the trophy,” Henderson said in his pre-match news conference. “But, ultimately, I’ve got to focus on the process and not the outcome at this moment in time.
“There is a lot of excitement and I am really looking forward to the game. All of the boys are pretty calm. We have been here before so we know what it takes. We are just focused and excited to show what we can do.”
On the importance of having longer-term absentees Cheick Doucoure and Eddie Nketiah in the travelling squad, he said: “It is great to have the boys with us.
“They have worked so hard throughout this season and they have had their own setbacks. It is difficult for them, and we live the pain with them as well.
“It will be great for them to be in and around it. Hopefully we can give them something to celebrate.”
Henderson also admitted that Glasner, who is set to leave Palace after Wednesday night’s final, will be “a huge miss” at Selhurst Park.
“I think he knows that [from Monday’s training session],” he added. “The players did a send-off video for him and we all spoke from the heart.”
About the Author
