Fans’ chants for Oliver Glasner to go were hard to ignore during Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw against Zrinjski Mostar. The noise was so loud that the club’s board decided to discuss potentially parting ways with the Austrian coach.
Glasner’s future has been the hot topic of debate in recent weeks, and last night felt like the end. Losing fans who watched the 51-year-old lift the FA Cup last season spoke volumes.
The talks between the Eagles’ coach and the higher-ups seem to have led to a positive conclusion. He is set to keep his job until the end of the season.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who gave an update on the situation. The Italian journalist wrote on X:
“After direct talks today, Crystal Palace inform Oliver Glasner that they want to continue with him. Tense 24h at the club, Glasner will still leave in June; could be earlier based on next weeks… but Palace insist to keep going together, for now.”
That decision might come as a surprise to some Palace fans, given it’s the second time discussions have been held over a possible separation. Last month, Glasner’s criticism of the club’s transfer strategy amid Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City prompted a similar meeting.
To the Wolves
Glasner looks set to be in charge for the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday (February 22nd). He needs to wake his team up after another miserable outing in Bosnia, where they were expected to win.
Ismaila Sarr gave the visitors the lead before the Eagles’ defensive frailties came to the surface. Marko Abramovic equalised after an Adam Wharton mistake.
The two sides’ UEFA Europa Conference League play-off is tied ahead of the second leg at Selhurst Park next Thursday (February 26th). Glasner’s hopes of a successful end to his reign are pinned on the European competition.
Anything but a win at home against Wolves will only further cause trouble for Glasner and his relationship with the club’s fanbase. His side sit 13th in the Premier League table while Sunday’s visitors are rock-bottom and have just one win this season.
Parish pointlessness
Two meetings have led Steve Parish’s board to decide to continue with Glasner. To be a fly on the wall during the conversations between a manager who wants out at the end of the season and a hierarchy that clearly has no plan for an immediate change.
When names like Robbie Keane emerge as potential replacements, it makes sense that Glasner isn’t going anywhere until June. The unfortunate aspect of his staying put is that his team are going nowhere.
Just one win in 15 games is dismal form that even relegation battlers would take appropriate action against. The South Londoners may well be factoring in the FA Cup triumph and wanting the club’s most successful manager to end his reign on a high.
There has been no sign that this will be the case, judging by performances such as the stalemate against Mostar. The positive is that there is no delaying the inevitable because no matter how the campaign concludes, Glasner won’t be in charge come next season.
