Oliver Glasner pulled out Kendrick Lamar’s famous ‘stay humble’ line in a brutal response to Crystal Palace fans. The Austrian was clearly riled by supporters who called for his sacking amid a dismal 1-1 draw against Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday night.
A day later, Palace’s board discussed Glasner’s future amid a troublesome spell. They weighed up cutting ties four months before his contract expires in June.
The Eagles’ poor form, with just one win in 15 games, has cast doubt over him seeing out the rest of the season. A decision was reportedly made for him to continue, and he took aim at fans for “forgetting where they’ve come from.”
Glasner goes scorched earth
The Palace boss spoke ahead of his side’s clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday (February 22nd). He gave a remarkable response to those demanding that he be dismissed (via Sky Sports News):
“They can say and sing whatever they want. I know what I am not doing. It would have been quite easy for me to step back earlier… many opportunites to be honest.”
Glasner has been linked with several Premier League jobs over the past year. He has been mentioned as a candidate to succeed Thomas Frank as Tottenham Hotspur’s permanent manager.
He added:
“I didn’t do it. I felt responsible for the team – especially for the players. I think what I can say until today, I always give my best. I think Palace have had the best time in their history and I’ve played maybe a small part in this best 18-20 months.”
Glasner led Palace to FA Cup glory and the Community Shield in this campaign’s curtain raiser. He is the most successful manager in the club’s history.
The Austrian made sure to remind the supporters of this:
“I would say the most important thing is stay humble. I think it’s the same for the fans. Stay humble. Never forget where you’re coming from. I think a few who are so critical in this situation are not humble anymore. Forget where you’re coming from and usually in life you are punished for this.”
A poor final season in charge at Selhurst Park is ruining Glasner’s legacy. His behaviour is causing issues and a rift with fans.
The Palace players don’t appear to be on board with the Austrian anymore. They know he is leaving at the end of the season, and that creates an uncertain atmosphere in the dressing room.
Clinton Morrison left fuming
The astonishing pre-match press conference ahead of the Wolves game shocked the English football media. Glasner’s comments have been criticised by the club’s former striker Clinton Morrison.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Morrison, who made 312 appearances for the Eagles, hit out at the manager:
“The way you’re acting is not right. It still could be a good season for Palace, finish in the top half of the table and win the Europa Conference League. There are a lot of people who would want to take that job, they’re one of the favourites at the moment.”
Palace remain in the Conference League and will need to beat Bosnian outfit Zrinjski in the second leg of their play-off next Thursday. The chances of winning the competition have Morrison believing that finding a Glasner replacement wouldn’t be difficult:
“But he is a man at the moment that’s looking like he’s had enough and I’m surprised by that having met him loads of times but maybe the time has come.”
Palace appointed Glasner in February 2024 after he left German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt as a Europa League winner. He has won 44 of 101 games in charge of the South London side, becoming the first coach in the club’s history to deliver a major trophy.
