Maxence Lacroix has warned Eberechi Eze not to overcelebrate as he prepares to lift the Premier League title on his return to Crystal Palace this weekend.
Eze left Palace for Arsenal last summer in a deal worth around £67.5million.
The England midfielder has enjoyed a sensational debut campaign in north London as Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title on Tuesday.
Eze’s Return to Selhurst Park
Eze, who remains a hero at Palace after scoring the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final, will return to Selhurst Park for the first time on Sunday when the Eagles entertain the Gunners on the final day of the season.
Lacroix has been in contact with Eze to congratulate him on winning the Premier League, but joked that his former team-mate would need to be careful not to celebrate too heavily when he lifts the title in front of the Palace fans.
“I sent him a message directly after I saw that City missed the chance to continue the journey,” Lacroix said.
“And I was just happy. I was just really happy. Why? Because we spoke a lot about Arsenal. That it was one of his favourite teams.
“It (Eze’s return) is going to be special. It’s going to be special. But I would tell him not to do it (celebrate) too much because it’s our house. He’s not anymore in the house. But to be honest, it’s beautiful for him, and we are really happy.”
Rotation Expected for Both Sides
Both sides are expected to rotate on Sunday, with Palace’s focus on next Wednesday’s Conference League final, while Arsenal are gearing up to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final next Saturday.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been mulling over how much to rotate his side, but admitted that while he would not make 11 changes, it would be sensible to expect some alterations.
“I change my opinion three times a day right now, from full rotation to no rotation to half rotation, and every starting line-up has a positive side and maybe negative sides,” Glasner said.
“I personally have so many negative experiences with big rotations. One we all experienced this season was KuPS and Leeds two days later.
“I started 11 new players within two days, and I think it was one of our worst performances at Leeds with, on paper, 11 fresh players.
“I had this two or three times before at my other clubs, that’s why I think we won’t rotate 11 players.
“But of course it makes sense for a few (players) to see how they are, probably playing 45 minutes each, making two or three subs at half-time, staying in rhythm.”