Patrick van Aanholt insists that Crystal Palace will not dwell on a disappointing final result in pre-season ahead of their Premier League opener against Everton on Saturday.
The Eagles lost out 4-0 at home against German side Hertha Berlin in their final pre-season friendly of the summer ahead of the start of the new campaign, with the Bundesliga side netting three second half goals at Selhurst Park to claim a big win.
But while van Aanholt admitted that Palace were left disappointed by the result - and the nature of the defeat for Roy Hodgson's men, he said he did not think it would have an impact on the opening game next weekend.
“It is still a friendly, but obviously you want to win to go into next week with a positive vibe," the full-back told Palace TV .
“Unfortunately we lost and the vibe is a bit down, but it starts next week.
“Next week we are going to be focused and stay there, be focused from the first minute until the end.
“It has been a long pre-season and I can’t wait.”
Van Aanholt suggested that the scoreline flattered the visitors though, with the Dutchman stating that he felt Palace played well before going behind.
“In the first half, I think we were the better team," he said.
"Our shape was looking good and we didn’t concede until the last minute from a corner, and there was nothing we could do about it.
“Pre-season is still all about getting fitness. Of course you want to get a result in your last pre-season game, but unfortunately we didn’t get one.
“We are going to go into training on Monday, work hard and focus on the league, which starts next week."
