If Crystal Palace decide to sack Oliver Glasner, they are weighing up a surprise name as his replacement. The Austrian’s future is hanging in the balance following a dismal 1-1 draw away to Bosnian minnows Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday night.
Glasner seemed unsure whether he’d last until the end of the season, speaking ahead of Palace’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. He has already confirmed he intends to leave when his contract expires in June.
A run of just one win in 15 games has led to “direct discussions” among the board about a possible early exit, per Fabrizio Romano. There have already been several names linked with succeeding Glasner ahead of his deal expiring.
Crystal Palace keen on Keane
Palace could be prepared to take a risk and appoint legendary former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane. The Irish coach is currently managing Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros and was linked with the Spurs job after Thomas Frank was sacked.
According to talkSPORT, the Eagles have been “impressed” by Keane during his time coaching the Hungarian side. They currently sit second in the top-flight, three points behind leaders ETO FC Gyor.
Keane has been in charge at Groupama Arena since January 2025 and has overseen 38 wins and 14 defeats in 65 games. His Ferencvaros side remains in the Europa League and is competing in the play-offs.
Glasner’s future is in doubt due to Palace’s draw in the first-leg of their Europa Conference League play-off. His men have endured a fall from grace after winning the FA Cup last season.
Keane has enjoyed a fine start to his managerial career, guiding Ferencvaros to the Hungarian title last year. He also took Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli Championship back in 2024.
Experience is vital
While Keane is clearly impressing in Hungary, he doesn’t have the experience of managing a club in a top European league. There is a different type of pressure that comes with such a job, and Crystal Palace need a coach who can guide them out of a difficult period.
The Eagles sit 13th ahead of their encounter with Wolves on Sunday. They are at risk of getting dragged into a relegation battle with just eight points separating them from the drop zone.
It feels inconceivable that Glasner is looking likely to end his tenure before the end of the campaign. His heroics last season saw him deliver the club’s first major trophy, the greatest accomplishment of any manager to have rocked up at Selhurst Park.
A proven name seems the right choice to replace the Austrian. Keane is still growing as a coach and appointing him at this stage of his managerial career is a risk.
