Crystal Palace star Dean Henderson details mental struggles after FA Cup glory

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Dean Henderson is so utterly fixated on leading Crystal Palace to Conference League glory - he cannot bear to think about what might lie on the other side.

One year ago, Oliver Glasner's No.1 found it difficult tackling the comedown and emptiness that ensued after the club's historic FA Cup triumph at Wembley.

This time around, his first World Cup with England and Europa League qualification should suffice as he's determined to climb the mountain again.

Captain Henderson said ahead of Palace's crunch Leipzig showdown with Rayo Vallecano: "I remember after the FA Cup final, three days after, I didn't want to get out of bed. I was like, 'What has gone on here?' "I don't know whether that was alcohol or not but I actually felt depressed, it was mad. I don't know why but I've never really spoken about it.

"But I actually think it was like, I felt depressed. It was mad. But I don't know why. I've never really spoken about it.

"I think it's because of the effort that you put into it, the journey that you do, the fact that you've all done it together. It's the emotions of it.

"Even now, you're engaged the week before. Naturally, you're thinking about it. Even for the last couple of weeks, you're probably thinking, let's try and win the final. It's normal.

"No one speaks about it, no one speaks about it to each other because it's just about winning your individual battles isn't it?"

Henderson has been the glue that's held the Crystal Palace dressing room together this season.

Last August, 13 days after lifting the Community Shield, they lost FA Cup final hero Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and Marc Guehi almost joined Liverpool on transfer deadline day.

The Eagles then set a club-record 19-match unbeaten run in October before skipper Guehi departed for Manchester City in January.

That was followed by Glasner confirming he'd be stepping down this summer amid a 13-game winless streak.

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His side had also been on the receiving end of an FA Cup third-round embarrassment as holders at National League North outfit Macclesfield.

Henderson insists anyone who thinks it's been a sub-par Palace season in the Premier League needs to give their head a wobble.

He said defiantly: "In my opinion, it's people [critics] who don't really have a clue about the impact this has all had on the players.

"Our first season in Europe, small squad. It was difficult times but we've been good.

"It's been an unbelievable Premier League season. Our best player went to AFCON, we were playing every three days, coming back from wherever, Poland, Cyprus - now we have the chance to deliver something special."

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Henderson is under no illusions it will be tough to ever replicate what this team has achieved under the guidance of departing boss Glasner.

However, he is driven by the prospect of sending the Austrian off in style.

He concluded: "The togetherness in this group is phenomenal. We're all pushing in the right direction, all the staff at the training ground, everyone. It's a family club.

"Obviously winning would be a great way to finish the movie off for Glasner as well, everyone wants that happy ending and we're working towards that.

"It would just be unbelievable for him, wouldn't it? It'd be unbelievable for him. Obviously he's the best manager this club has ever had and to finish on such a high would just be sensational."

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