Frank de Boer has claimed that he was "too naive" during his short spell in charge of Crystal Palace and allowed certain 'backstabbing' players to take advantage of him.

The Dutchman famously lasted just four matches at the Selhurst Park helm at the start of the campaign, setting a new record for the fewest matches in a Premier League job.

Six months after being given the boot by Palace after failing to register a single point, or even so much as net a top-flight goal, De Boer has lifted the lid on his short tenure at the South London club.

"Maybe I'm too naive in that kind of thing. To trust too many people," he told The Independent. "I'm always thinking of the good in every player, but it's not like that. If they can stab you in the back, they stab you in the back. A lot of times when you to go a club, the chemistry is not really there.

"Maybe at first, everybody's excited. But then, suddenly, the team gets in shape, and then you get the storm phase. You have three groups. One who is happy. Then players who are doubtful, but still feel they have a chance. And then, you have the losers at that moment, who will go to the second group and try to influence them.

"They are position for your team. At Inter, and also Palace, you've got to get rid of those players. And that's sometimes difficult. You say, 'I want him out', but then the president says, 'Yeah, but that costs me money.' And in the end, you're stuck with all the same players."

Palace remain embroiled in a relegation battle under Roy Hodgson, sitting one point adrift of safety heading into the final stretch of the season.