- Romain Esse’s emotional moment linked to managerial criticism and dramatic late substitution
After Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw with newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, 20-year-old Romain Esse was visibly in tears, prompting an unexpected moment of compassion from Mohamed Salah, who approached to comfort the young midfielder.
What Happened:
Esse, who joined Palace in January and scored on his debut, was handed only his second start of the season in the high-profile Anfield clash.
He entered the pitch in the 79th minute, but was substituted in stoppage time—a move that drew widespread confusion and sparked an emotional reaction.
According to reports, manager Oliver Glasner was deeply unimpressed by Esse’s brief performance and made the substitution to send a message to the squad.
Glasner’s Comments:
> “He knows why, that’s enough,” Glasner said post-match. “Some players didn’t give 100%… We lacked determination—just like the start of the season.”
Esse’s disappointment was amplified by the public nature of the substitution and the context: this was likely his final chance to impress before the summer break, having not featured in the FA Cup final.
Salah’s Response:
In a touching moment caught on camera, Liverpool’s Mo Salah spoke with Esse post-match, offering words of encouragement. The Egyptian talisman, known for his leadership and humility, spent several moments with the youngster, before Joel Ward, Palace’s outgoing captain, also joined the conversation to console Esse.
This incident underlines the high pressure young players face in elite football—where a single moment can shape confidence and career trajectory. For Esse, the tears reflect both his passion and the brutal standards of
top-flight football.
