The impressive resurgence at Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner is evident from the fact that, within just three months of taking charge, he has attracted the attention of Bayern Munich. The German powerhouse sought to entice Glasner to the Allianz Arena as a successor to Thomas Tuchel, but Palace has shown no inclination to engage in negotiations, and Glasner remains firmly at the helm of Selhurst Park, a situation he has accepted.
For Palace, this interest from Bayern represents a significant positive. While managers have departed Selhurst Park previously, none have been sought after by a club of Bayern’s caliber and resources. Any doubts regarding Glasner’s suitability for the role have been definitively dispelled.
Although Palace’s end-of-season position in the mid-table might not be the most riveting topic in the Premier League, their progress under the 49-year-old manager remains noteworthy. With five wins from their last six matches, all against teams positioned above them in the Premier League table, including a convincing 4-0 victory over Manchester United, Glasner’s impact on Palace has been transformative. His influence extends beyond securing their safety and redirecting their focus towards higher positions in the table; he has also significantly elevated the performances of players who have had mixed seasons, such as Will Hughes, Nathaniel Clyne, and Tyrick Mitchell.
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Glasner’s Impact at Crystal Palace: Catching the Eye of Bayern Munich
The notable improvement at Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner is evident in the fact that, within just three months of his tenure, he has attracted interest from Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich sought to appoint Glasner as Thomas Tuchel’s successor at the Allianz Arena. However, Palace has shown no inclination to engage in negotiations, and Glasner remains firmly in control at Selhurst Park, a situation he has accepted.
For Palace, this attention is undeniably a positive sign. While managers have been recruited from Selhurst Park in the past, never has a club of Bayern’s caliber and resources shown interest. Any doubts about Glasner’s suitability for the role have been thoroughly dispelled.
Although Palace’s recent form may not be the most captivating topic in the Premier League due to their mid-table position, their progress under the 49-year-old manager is noteworthy.
With five victories in their last six matches, all against teams ranked higher in the Premier League standings, including a convincing 4-0 win against Manchester United, Glasner’s impact at Palace has been transformative. This is not only evident in their secure position in the league but also in the notable improvement in the performances of players like Will Hughes, Nathaniel Clyne, and Tyrick Mitchell, who had previously experienced inconsistent seasons.
While Jean-Philippe Mateta had already shown signs of improvement under Roy Hodgson, his performance has reached new heights since Glasner took charge. His market value has significantly increased since Palace acquired him for £9 million in January 2022, reflecting the broader trend of players appreciating in value under Glasner’s guidance—an important consideration for financial stability.
However, there are also reasons for caution. Glasner is an ambitious manager who isn’t hesitant to voice his expectations to club management. Disputes over transfers at Eintracht Frankfurt played a significant role in his departure from the club.
Although there are no indications of discontent at Palace, the allure of attention from other clubs, particularly given his success in the Europa League, may be tempting. Palace must demonstrate their ability to match his ambition in the transfer market, particularly during the upcoming summer window.
Player Interest and Transfer Speculation
Several key players at Crystal Palace, including Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, and Joachim Andersen, have attracted interest from other clubs, indicating their value in the transfer market. Additionally, Adam Wharton, who recently joined from Blackburn Rovers in January, has quickly become a subject of transfer speculation due to his impressive performances.
The summer transfer window for Palace is shrouded in uncertainty, but retaining their star players would greatly bolster their chances of convincing Glasner that significant progress can be made in the upcoming season. Furthermore, the club’s efforts to recruit new talent to enhance the squad, irrespective of potential departures, will signal their intended direction.
For Glasner, ambition is a two-way transaction. “If, let’s say, a player is too good for Crystal Palace, the possibility that he changes club is high and the same is the other way if the quality of Crystal Palace is too high for a player,” he said. “The higher the level of Crystal Palace, the higher the level of player we get that we can keep in our squad.”
Glasner’s influence at the club is evident in the cultural shift he has instigated. He prioritizes continuous learning and development, both personally and within the team. This ethos has translated into a more demanding environment for the players, emphasizing the concept of “intrinsic motivation” to inspire individual improvement for the betterment of the team.
“This is the way we can show the players where we want to go and that Crystal Palace is the right place for them to develop, to have fun playing football and to be successful because it’s no secret that we don’t have this money to compete with the top teams in England.”
Oliver Glasner’s Tactical and Philosophical Approach
In his pre-match notes ahead of his debut game—a triumphant 3-0 victory over Burnley—Glasner emphasized the significance of “attitude, confidence, and humbleness.” This theme has persisted throughout his three-month tenure, during which he has pushed the players harder, implementing double training sessions, notably during their warm-weather training in Marbella to capitalize on April’s break.
Glasner’s meticulous approach, demonstrating rather than merely instructing, has been instrumental in garnering commitment from his players. While he has strived to foster camaraderie both on and off the field, exemplified by the Marbella training camp, he hasn’t shied away from setting clear boundaries.
He maintains a balanced approach, distinct from Hodgson’s hands-off style and Vieira’s exacting standards. His firm yet fair demeanor commands respect, as players recognize the tangible improvements and positive outcomes under his guidance. Glasner adeptly highlights players’ strengths and emphasizes system efficiency over rigid formation, evident in their recognizable 3-4-2-1 setup.
The system compensates for individual weaknesses; for instance, Daniel Munoz’s dynamic presence at right wing-back is facilitated by additional defensive cover, while Mateta’s goal-scoring prowess has flourished with a more advanced role and higher defensive pressure.
Intensive fitness regimes and visible physical transformations attest to Glasner’s methodological efficacy, as he pushes players to their limits to implement his playing style. Yet, he acknowledges and values their contributions, reciprocating their efforts with recognition and occasional breaks as a reward.
Glasner’s ethos revolves around proactive problem-solving, encapsulated in the German acronym “NIPSILD” (thinking not in problems but in solutions), imparted by his mentor Rudi Zauner from SV Ried.
While initial apprehension among players regarding their positions under Glasner’s regime has subsided, replaced by a growing confidence and understanding of his methods, the overarching focus remains on progress and improvement.
“I’m a positive guy,” Glasner said. “You can always see the glass half-empty or half-full. You always can be afraid that if you walk down the stairs, you will fall. But (if you worry) then you will fall. The chairman didn’t tell me to win the Premier League, so we don’t have to compete with the wealthiest clubs, (but) I am sure we can beat them. It is important for us to develop a belief that we are able to compete against every team.”
“It’s about staying ambitious. We feel how good and everyone knows how good it is to win. Since the Liverpool game we are flying on a cloud and it’s so nice because it’s sunny and not raining like below the cloud. We want to keep this feeling until the end of the season.”
He relayed how he told his players, “You can buy a car or a flat, but you never can buy emotions. You have to feel it.” This sentiment has resonated deeply with the team, evident not only in their on-field performances but also in the evolution of their individual personalities over time.
A strong sense of unity pervades the team, with Glasner actively deflecting any notion that individual players like Eze and Olise hold greater importance than the collective squad. He opts against singling out individuals, instead prioritizing the team’s cohesion and collaborative effort over reliance on star players.
From his inaugural press conference, Glasner has been clear: “I’m not a magician, I’m not David Copperfield.” Despite this disclaimer, he has indeed worked wonders with the team, transforming their mindset and captivating everyone—players and fans alike—with an attacking brand of football that has resulted in 24 goals in 12 games. The prevailing sentiment now is one of optimism for the future, replacing earlier apprehensions.
Under Glasner’s stewardship, Palace has closed the gap on arch-rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, a highly sought-after manager in the league. This progress contrasts starkly with their previous 4-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton in February.
The imperative now is for Palace to avoid repeating the errors of the Vieira era and last summer’s transfer dealings. Properly supporting Glasner in the transfer market is paramount. While major overhauls may not be necessary, addressing squad depth issues, which have occasionally been a burden this season, is crucial.
Unlike Hodgson, who may have been content to navigate without significant market reinforcement, Glasner is less likely to exhibit the same level of patience.
