Glasner leaves Crystal Palace after Conference League win: ‘I’m not a magician’
Oliver Glasner will leave Crystal Palace as a European champion after confirming he had no intention of reversing his decision to leave.
Glasner led Palace to the Conference League title last night with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half goal proving the difference.
Including the Community Shield and FA Cup, it was Palace’s third trophy under the Austrian in 12 months but he is now set to leave having opted not to sign a new deal.
Asked if he has considered doing a U-turn, he said: “No.
“I told the players today in the meeting when we were in the hotel, because I received many messages from the fans where they said: ‘Thank you for the best day of my life,’ and I appreciate it a lot. And I told the players the same way. So I have to thank the players, I have to thank the supporters, because it’s the same.”
Magic man Glasner from the Palace is a hero
Glasner said he was no “David Copperfield” when he was appointed in February 2024 but produced many standout moments during his time at Selhurst Park.
“I just supported this group of players – I could be the best magician but without the players it wouldn’t work,” he added.
“The players deserve credit because they have to trust me and work hard. They will all tell you that I need a lot. But they know that I want the best for everyone. As soon as everyone understands that we have created a good atmosphere and the fans have what they deserve by entering the Europa League.”
The joy of the palace was in stark contrast to the obvious disappointment felt by Rayo Vallecano.
Coach Iñigo Pérez, who is likely to join Villarreal this summer, said: “This performance shows what we are as a team. When we have challenges like Crystal Palace that are very difficult we keep trying and don’t show fear. Obviously, when you lose it hurts, but I like to hear that we brought joy to the neighborhood.
You can’t help but feel what it would have been like if we had won. It would have been an incredible explosion of joy.”
What’s next for Glasner and Crystal Palace?
Mystery surrounds Glasner’s next move, although there are still plenty of dominoes to fall elsewhere in the Premier League and Europe. He has been linked with a return to Germany, and there is a potential opening at Fulham if Marco Silva decides to leave.
As for Palace, they should now start looking for a new manager.
Andoni Iraola is on their shortlist, as are former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank and Getafe’s Jose Bordelas.
Iraola would be a dream pick but has been linked with the likes of AC Milan and Liverpool.
