Sakho believes fitness regime is key to Palace success

Crystal Palace’s Mamadou Sakho insisted that his fitness regime has been key to maintaining his form after being left out of the Liverpool side since the summer.

Sakho, who moved to Selhurst Park on loan at the end of January, had not played a Premier League game for ten months before the Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

The French international will have impressed many Palace fans with his display in their victory.

And Sakho admits the fitness training he has done away from Premier League action has been the key to him finding form at his new club.

“My last game was 10 months ago but during this time I have been working hard on my fitness and after my performance it has all been worthwhile,” Sakho said.

“I am really proud to be involved in this victory and from my point of view it is always about me giving my best when I am out on the pitch for the club, the team and the supporters.

“We played 12 against 11 in this game because the fans were really good for us and they gave us a lot of courage and confidence to go on and play with a lot of energy and it was nice to get the result for them.

“We played very well as a team, gave a strong performance and deserved the three points in a really difficult game. It was great though to come away with the win and we played with real heart to get the result.”