Alan Pardew eager for Crystal Palace to adopt tiki-taka style for new Premier League season
Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has promised a new brand of football this season with a slant towards the tiki-taka style pioneered by reigning La Liga champions Barcelona.
The Eagles have bolstered their squad with the close season signings of former Tottenham winger Andros Townsend, defender James Tomkins from West Ham and Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.
Palace remain keen on a deal for Liverpool outcast Christian Benteke despite having an initial £25m bid rejected last month. But irrespective of personnel Pardew has guaranteed the Selhurst Park faithful a new on-field approach.
“I want the side to retain the ball, to play a brand of football we couldn’t really do last season due to injuries and the squad’s strength,” said Pardew. “We want more consistent displays and that will come with a stronger, deeper squad.”
Pardew also confirmed that winger Yannick Bolasie would not be leaving the club before tomorrow’s opening Premier League clash of the season against West Brom after Palace accepted a £30m bid from Everton for the 27-year-old.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman, meanwhile, has said he wants to keep Romelu Lukaku at Goodison Park amid continued speculation over the striker returning to former club Chelsea.
Koeman said: “Romelu Lukaku is still an Everton player and we want to keep our best players.”