‘Coach Doesn’t Like Me’: Christantus Uche Opens Up on Crystal Palace Exit

Christantus Uche has broken his silence ahead of Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg against Shakhtar Donetsk, admitting he will not be part of the squad on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Nigerian forward, on loan from Getafe, was removed from Palace’s European squad earlier this year and has now revealed why he feels his time at Selhurst Park has come to an end.

Uche explained: ‘I may not have much playing time, but I am grateful for the fans who continue to support me and the team.

‘Your dedication and enthusiasm mean a lot, and I hope to make you proud whenever I do get the chance to play. But I know maybe it won’t happen again because the coach doesn’t like me,’ Uche told Read Crystal Palace.

Despite making 22 appearances across competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist, Uche has not featured since a 3-1 win over Tottenham in March.

His loan agreement required 10 Premier League starts to trigger an obligation to buy, but he has not made a single league start, meaning he will return to Getafe at the end of the season.

Manager Oliver Glasner previously explained Uche’s exclusion, citing registration rules and positional choices.

‘Some have to be association-trained, some have to be club-trained… I see Uche clearly as a No 9, and we have Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah. He was disappointed, but I always explain my thoughts and reasons. He accepted it and trained well.’

Uche, however, believes he deserved more opportunities, especially after scoring twice in his last two Conference League outings. With Palace chasing a historic European final, his absence remains a talking point among fans who admired his impact in limited minutes.