Roy Hodgson: Crystal Palace boss says this is ‘toughest’ period of managerial

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says this is the “toughest” period of his managerial career because supporters have turned against him and the team.

Hodgson is under pressure as Palace boss after one win in their past five games.

The 76-year-old will take charge of his 200th Premier League match when Palace host Chelsea on Monday.

“[Fans] are the people that we cannot afford to have turned against us, because we need them,” Hodgson said.

“It’s been the toughest period of my career for one reason, and that is that the fans have turned so much against us.

“If we’re going to win the games, and this team is going to do well, they’re not going to be able to do it if the fans are going to be constantly up in arms about everything that’s happening.

“Apart from that, it joins a lot of other periods of my life where I’ve been happier and more content, of course.”

Palace fans have been showing banners at games calling for Hodgson to be sacked.

The manager has said he has not been in conversation with Palace chairman Steve Parish or sporting director Dougie Freedman about their “thoughts or plans” amid reports they are looking for his replacement.

Hodgson added: “We in particular need [supporters] now because we are in a very weakened situation, and we could do with their assistance and sympathy, because there will be players playing on Monday night that have not played that many games in the Palace first team.

“They’re going to need a sympathetic eye rather than the ultra-critical.”

Former England boss Hodgson has managed clubs including Inter Milan, Blackburn, Fulham, Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion, and led the national sides of Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Finland.