Crystal Palace lost 3-0 to Manchester City at Selhurst Park at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday. This is what Palace director Laura Kaminski later told BBC Radio London.

“I am very proud (of what he saw from his side), we talked about closing the gap between us and the best teams and that was our plan and that is our journey. I think Manchester City are at the top of the table in this moment, so playing that side is a big challenge. It needs a battle mentality, it needs hard work.

“In terms of where we are and our journey in terms of being a newly promoted team, going 3-0 at Man City shows a direct progression from the Chelsea game, which was just five games ago.”

On whether he prepared for the defeat against Manchester City: “No. Anything can happen on any day. We had confidence in the game, we had great confidence in our form and there is no reason why that form can’t compete against the best teams.”

On whether you are seeing improvements in your team: “Definitely. The score suggests there has been a direct improvement in terms of goals conceded. We hit the crossbar, we also had chances, so the quality is there, it just needs adjustments.”

On the absence of Palace captain Aimee Everett: “Aimee is fine, we’re just handling it internally. She took a little hit in training a few weeks ago and we’re being cautious. It’s a little longer than we initially thought, but it’s okay. We’re coming to an end now that we’re going in.” in the final stages of his rehabilitation.

“We anticipated she would come back a little quicker, but we’re taking more time and making sure we don’t rush her.

“I need Aimee, she is a top-level player and the players who have filled her boots have performed excellently, I think they have taken a step forward. When Aimee returns to the group and is around the group, we will see.”