In a recent announcement, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner addressed the decision to exclude Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche from the club's UEFA Conference League squad. Glasner explained that the team faced limitations in naming their 24-man squad due to regulations concerning player classifications. With only three club-trained players available and the addition of three new signings who also needed registration, Uche became the unfortunate player to miss out for the remainder of the campaign.

Glasner elaborated on the squad composition rules that dictated Uche's exclusion, emphasizing the necessity for a balance in team structure while also adhering to UEFA guidelines. He had to make strategic decisions based on the attributes of the players, specifically noting Uche's natural role as a centre forward, which conflicted with the acquisition of new attackers like Brennan Johnson and Jorgen Strand Larsen, both of whom were prioritized for the squad. This decision was framed as necessary for optimizing team performance, even though Glasner acknowledged Uche's disappointment at the news.

Despite the challenging nature of the situation, Glasner reassured Uche about the rationale behind his choice, encouraging an understanding of the competitive dynamics at play. Uche was receptive to the explanation and continued to engage positively within the training environment. This transparency not only reflects Glasner's management style but also showcases the complexities club managers face concerning squad regulations and player development.