The pressure is growing on Oliver Glasner, and some Crystal Palace fans have clearly turned on the Austrian manager. He was heralded as the greatest coach in the club’s history when he guided the Eagles to the FA Cup last season.
Glasner’s relationship with the club’s fanbase has turned volatile. He watched his troops falter in Bosnia, held to a 1-1 draw by Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday night (February 19th).
Ismaila Sarr gave the visitors the lead with a fine finish in the 44th minute. Poor defending and an Adam Wharton slip-up allowed Karlo Abramovic to equalise in the 55th minute.
“We want Glasner out”
Glasner cut a frustrated figure in the dugout after Abramovic’s leveller. He was irate at full-time, venting at several of his players who need to get the job done back at Selhurst Park next week (February 26th).
Palace were heavily expected to beat the Bosnians tonight in the first-leg of their Europa Conference League play-off. A disappointing display and result have quashed any suggestion that the South Londoners are favourites to win the competition.
Glasner’s future is already known, as he confirmed he will be leaving the club when his contract expires in June. The club’s fanbase feared the day the 51-year-old would confirm his intentions to seek a new challenge.
Some are clearly no longer concerned and, in fact, want him to depart before the end of the season. Football reporter Bobby Manzi was at Bijeli Brijeg Stadium tonight and witnessed supporters turning on the FA Cup-winning manager.
Manzi wrote on X: “Chants of ‘sacked in the morning’ aimed at Oliver Glasner from the away end in Mostar this evening.”
Glasner has been in charge of Palace since early 2024 and wrote his name in the club’s history books last season. He even guided the Eagles to the Community Shield with a penalty shootout victory over Liverpool.
His decision to announce his departure and his side’s dismal form since has clearly caused a rift with supporters. Manzi added:
“Now lots of boos, plus chants of “we want Glasner out”. This has turned very sour — lots of animosity towards the Austrian throughout tonight’s game.”
Now lots of boos, plus chants of “we want Glasner out”. This has turned very sour — lots of animosity towards the Austrian throughout tonight's game. #CPFChttps://t.co/ivbXWM4Myo
It will be interesting to see how Glasner reacts to these calls from fans. He is known for acting on emotion as was the case when he called out the higher-ups for selling Marc Guehi to Manchester City.
Should Glasner go?
There’s no doubt that Glasner’s announcement regarding his decision to leave the club is negatively impacting his team. Just one win in 15 games across competitions tells the story.
The Austrian is starting to lose the fans which is a massive concern as Palace enter the crucial stage of the season. He felt that confirming his departure would give supporters clarity but it’s led to backlash.
Glasner deserves to see out his contract, given the glorious season he oversaw in 2024-25. He has credit in the bank that many of the club’s fanbase are disregarding.
Next up is the visit of rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Sunday (February 22nd). Losing against Rob Edwards’ side might truly spell the end of Glasner’s reign.
Matthew Guyett is an experienced sports journalist who has over five years of covering European football and the Premier League. He has a passion for the sport which is told through his writing.
