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Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche has broken his silence on a difficult spell at Crystal Palace, Footynaija reports.
The Nigeria international has pointed a clear finger at head coach Oliver Glasner as he struggles for opportunities in south London.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who arrived on loan from Getafe at the start of the 2025/26 season, says he believes a lack of trust from the manager is behind his limited role.
Uche’s campaign has been defined by brief appearances and long stretches on the bench. His last outing came two months ago, when he featured for just nine minutes in a 3-1 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur. In total, he has made only seven appearances this year and started once, in an FA Cup tie, falling well short of expectations that followed his move from Spain.
That stands in sharp contrast to his time at Getafe, where he was one of the standout young players in La Liga. During the 2024/25 season, he made 33 appearances, scoring four goals and providing six assists. Comfortable in several midfield and attacking roles, he quickly built a reputation for his energy and adaptability, after scoring on his debut against Athletic Bilbao.
There were early flashes of that promise at Palace, particularly in Europe, where he scored twice in four Conference League matches. However, his momentum stalled after he was left out of the squad to accommodate new arrivals, and he has not started a Premier League match all season.
Now, the midfielder has spoken candidly about his situation, suggesting his lack of minutes is not simply down to competition for places.
“I may not have much playing time, but I am grateful for the fans who continue to support me and the team,” he told Read Crystal Palace.
“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’s lack of starts also carries contractual consequences. The loan agreement included an obligation for Palace to sign him permanently if he made 10 Premier League starts, a target he will not reach. He is now expected to return to Getafe at the end of the season, bringing to a close a frustrating spell in England in which he has played just 14 matches and logged around 169 minutes.
