January 16 2011

Dougie Freedman

Dougie Freedman admits saving Crystal Palace from relegation is "the most difficult challenge of my life".

Freedman watched his team put in a woeful display for his first match at the helm as Palace were thumped 3-0 at Swansea.

They remain in the relegation places after 11 defeats from 14 away league games.

"I know how hard this job will be," said Freedman. "We are in the bottom three and have been there for most of the season. It is the most difficult challenge of my life.

"This was always going to be a difficult game considering the way Swansea pass the ball and where they are in the table

"We played with a lot of confidence and it was a disciplined performance. I'm a very black and white person and straight down the line and, for large parts, the players stuck to the game plan.

"I've no complaints about the penalties but, overall, I'm pleased with what the players took on board.

"But, hand on my heart, and with the youngsters we have in the squad, we have a chance of winning more than we lose in the second half of the season."

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers added: "Palace worked very hard and made it difficult for us but we played very well. We pressed the ball from the first minute and we showed creativity and imagination in the final third."