Crystal Palace Focuses on Sustaining Success
Oliver Glasner is optimistic that Crystal Palace can avoid being just a “one-hit wonder” after their steady growth, especially following their FA Cup victory. He attributes this progress to not doing “crazy things.”
The win against Manchester City marked the club’s first major trophy and has earned them a spot in the Europa League. Interestingly, Glasner said he left the post-match celebrations at Wembley early, missing a karaoke moment featuring club chair Steve Parish, who was reportedly enjoying himself at a local bar. He humorously noted that he missed the triumph of the Austrian Eurovision Song Contest, adding, “It must be a great song.”
There are ongoing talks about an announcement expected next week, culminating in a victory parade at Crystal Palace Park. However, Glasner’s squad is skipping the final match against Liverpool as Adam Wharton and captain Mark Gehi faced the Wolves on Tuesday night, with Wharton out due to a concussion. To set a new record for points in the Premier League, Palace needs at least a draw in their last two games.
Parish mentioned his desire to extend Glasner’s contract beyond next summer, while acknowledging that competing in Europe poses a “challenge” for the club’s resources. Glasner emphasized his commitment, stating he’s “100% here” and has started working on plans for next season. Yet, he cautioned about getting lost in the success of the moment.
“This club is constantly evolving, not necessarily in giant leaps,” he observed. “You could easily become a one-hit wonder, but that cycle doesn’t make sense. Our aim is not just to say, ‘Now we’re in Europe,’ and take reckless gambles that could backfire.”
He sees the path forward as gradual. Maybe not playing international football might help them attract players they otherwise couldn’t. This, he believes, could lead to the next step.
“For me,” he continued, “the goal is to position ourselves somewhere between 8th and 12th in the league. It would provide stability. The Premier League is tough, filled with top teams and massive clubs. It’s a delicate balance; you could find yourself at the bottom of the table in no time.”
“One thing that gives me assurance is the chairman,” Glasner reiterated. “He manages this club in a very steady manner, and that approach will continue.”
Palace faced the Wolves just three days after their Cup victory, and Glasner, upon returning to training, admitted he was uncertain about the players’ conditions. He dismissed rumors linking him with a move to Tottenham, stating, “Every day, I’m focused on how we can improve both as a team and a club. My focus is entirely here.”
