Oliver Glasner will walk away from Crystal Palace as a European winner 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 the third trophy Palace had won under the Austrian inside 12 months but he will now depart having opted not to sign a new deal.
Asked if he’d thought about performing a U-turn, he said: “No. I remember you asked me once, it was at the academy, when the fans prepared the banner, when we were struggling a little bit. And now it’s the same. I see myself as a servant for the players, as a servant for the club and then somebody who gives the direction.
“I told the players today in the meeting when we were in the hotel, because I got many messages from fans where they said: ‘Thank you for the best day of my life,’ and I really appreciate it. And I told the players exactly the same. So I have to say thank you to the players, I have to say thank you to the supporters, because it’s the same.”
Magic-man Glasner departs Palace a hero
Glasner claimed he was no “David Copperfield” when he was appointed in February 2024 but produced plenty of show-stopping moments in 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 all the credit because they have to trust me and work very hard. They will all tell you I’m very demanding. But they know I want the best for everyone. As soon as everyone understood that we created a fantastic spirit and the supporters now have what they deserve with a spot in the Europa League.”
Palace joy 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 group. When we have challenges like Crystal Palace that are very difficult we keep trying and show no fear. Obviously, when you lose it’s painful, but I like to hear that we have brought happiness to the neighbourhood.
“You can’t help feeling how it would have been if we had won. It would have been an amazing 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 in Europe. He has been linked with a move back to Germany, while there is also a potential vacancy opening up at Fulham if Marco Silva decides to leave.
As for Palace, they must now start the search for a new boss.
Andoni Iraola is on their shortlist, as is former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank and Getafe’s Jose Bordelas.
Iraola would be the dream appointment but he has also been linked with the likes of AC Milan and Liverpool.
