Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael is the kind of manager who would bring aggressiveness and energy to Crystal Palace.
Ismael is currently being linked with the Palace job, with Football Insider claiming that the south London club’s director of football Dougie Freedman is pushing to bring him in ahead of Frank Lampard – Steve Parish’s preferred choice.
This, of course, comes after Palace confirmed that Roy Hodgson would be stepping down as manager after four years at Selhurst Park.
And for Hendrie, Ismael could be a good candidate to replace the Englishman. The Sky Sports pundit told FFC in an exclusive interview:
“He wants that aggressive style. He’s got a very good, young squad at Barnsley and done absolutely brilliant this season with what he’s had at Barnsley. I’ve got to say that, for sure.
“I say he likes that aggressive style, but he likes that energy and he plays football in the right way.”
Certainly, Ismael has done a fantastic job in the Oakwell dugout this term, taking Barnsley to the Championship play-offs.
The Tykes also enjoyed a good FA Cup run under the former Palace player, giving finalists Chelsea a real game in their 1-0 defeat in the fifth round of the competition.
