Lacroix on full-time fist pumps, the fans & the Crystal Palace DNA

First-team

6 Nov 2025

Crystal Palace fans’ close relationship with the players is a natural result of their outstanding support, according to Maxence Lacroix.

The Frenchman – speaking at a pre-match press conference previewing Thursday’s UEFA Conference League match against AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park (20:00 GMT) – has proven a popular figure with the red and blue army since joining the club from VfL Wolfsburg last year.

Lacroix is often keen to involve the fans in any post-match celebrations, with his now-customary fist pump routine, and said this was because: “I really enjoy it. I'm a really expressive guy.

“It's like a big family. I think they [the fans] deserve it because they follow us everywhere, so they deserve to have this relationship with the players also.”

Limited tickets remain available for Thursday's fixture.
Click here for Glasner's pre-match team news update.
Find out how to watch and follow Thursday night's game.

Pre-match Press Conference: AZ Alkmaar (H)

Quote Icons

It's the DNA of this team. We have a lot of character
—Maxence Lacroix

Lacroix will forever be remembered in South London as a key cog in the history-making Palace team which secured the club’s first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup, last season.

In early April, however, not long before the semi-finals, Palace conceded five goals in two successive away Premier League games – at Manchester City and Newcastle – which Lacroix highlighted as a turning point.

On his team’s defensive solidity, he said: “I think it's the DNA of this team. We have a lot of character, and this is what we showed.

“I remember when we lost against City last year and Newcastle. We lost two times, five goals. But after, we won the FA Cup – so I think this is the DNA of this team, the good spirit, and this is what we showed.

“I think we learned a lot [from those games]. We spoke with the guys. You know, when you forget the feeling of losing… when you lose, you're a little bit angry. And also, you get a little bit more humility, I want to say.

“[Losing three games last month] showed us that we have the quality, but we have to still improve, and still put everything in to win games, because it's quite difficult to win games. This is the difference, I think.”

Thursday’s game is Palace’s fourth in the last 11 days, a consequence of the Eagles’ participation in the UEFA Conference League and impressive form in the Carabao Cup this season.

But Lacroix embracing the challenge, smiling: “Oh yeah, I enjoy playing. The gaffer always says it's good to play.

“Normally you have training, but to play games, this is why we play football. We want to play games. We are really happy and we are ready for that.

“Of course, it's a lot of games, so you have to be more focused on small details. But we are happy to play.

“I'm really happy to play in Europe, because we’re always playing, so it's a good opportunity. With Wolfsburg we qualified for Champions League, but Oliver [Glasner] was not with us with Wolfsburg [in the subsequent season] – and I'm happy to share this moment with him also.

“I think when we work well you have this gift. This is why we want a reward. Like I said we, want to give everything for this cup, for every single cup. And this is what we’ll show again.”

Match Details

Crystal Palace v AZ Alkmaar

Thursday, 6th November
20:00 GMT
UEFA Conference League
Selhurst Park
Tickets available here.

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