Alan Pardew believes he could manage clubs at the top of the Premier League better than those currently in place. This is a real thing that he said.
Speaking with BBC Radio 5 Live ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Selhurst Park tomorrow, the Crystal Palace boss said he thinks he would thrive with a world-class bench. “I look at the top teams and feel I could do that job better than I’m seeing it being done,” Pardew said.
“Mr. Pellegrini’s options on the bench will be significantly stronger than my own to try and get a result in the game with 15 minutes to go,” Pardew added. “But it doesn’t always work out like that. Burnley proved to Man City it is sometimes about the team being stronger than the individual and on Monday night we hope that’s the case for Crystal Palace.”
Pardew went on to offer his former club Newcastle and his current team a backhanded compliment, saying “But I’m quite happy where I am and if I work in this part of the league for the rest of my career I will be extremely happy.” It’s hard to imagine his bosses will be appreciative of his ambition lumping Crystal Palace into “this part of the league” referring to the bottom half. Crystal Palace currently sits in 12th position, seven points off 10th.
But don’t worry folks! Even though Pardew thinks he could do better at the top clubs, he doesn’t want to! “I’m really happy here - I don’t really want another job,” Pardew made sure to add. “In a way the (Palace) board have been lucky because even if I have great success here I won’t be looking to jump away.”
Right, Alan. Sure. Whatever you say.