The mood lifted at Selhurst Park last night after Crystal Palace sealed their place in the last 16 of the Europa Conference League. A frustrating 1-1 draw away to Bosnian minnows Zrinjski Mostar last week meant it was all to play for in the two sides’ play-off.
A rift between fans and Glasner after the draw in Bosnia, following chants of “getting sacked in the morning” and “we want Glasner out.” He hit back at the noise by telling supporters to “stay humble” and “remember where you came from.”
The relationship between the Palace faithful and the Austrian seems to be back on track after a 2-0 (3-1 aggregate) win at Selhurst last night. Goals from Maxence Lacroix (36′) and Evann Guessand (90+6′) mean the Eagles will face Mainz or AEK Larnaca in the Round of 16.
Palace players finally ‘respond’
Glasner came into this game knowing a defeat to Zrinjski and elimination from the Conference League would be disastrous. Not least because many installed Palace as favourites to win the competition before it kicked off.
A dissapointing league phase raised doubts over the Eagles and their hopes of European glory. The draw last Thursday even forced a board meeting to discuss Glasner’s short-term future.
The higher-ups opted to continue with the FA Cup-winning coach and allow him to see out his contract, which expires in June. He needed his players to show they were also backing him, and Martin Keown believes they did just that last night.
The former Arsenal defender assessed Palace’s display and how the win has put them back in the driving seat to win the tournament. He said on TNT Sports:
“Lots of question marks around Glasner, the rumour mill suggesting maybe the manager is looking for the exit door. This sort of performance puts that to bed a little bit. He wants to finish in style. I make them favourites to win this competition and put this right back on track.”
Glasner announced in January that he intended to leave Palace when his contract expires at the end of the season. His comments came amid a difficult period for his team, faltering domestically and in Europe.
Keown added:
“His future he already knows he’s going, and his players, when you looked at them, they weren’t responding, but they certainly did tonight.”
Palace took the lead in the first half through Lacroix’s fine header after a beautiful free-kick from Adam Wharton. They left it late to grab a second, but Guessand netted his second goal in as many games to put the icing on the cake.
Can Palace win the Conference League?
Palace haven’t lived up to expectations in their debut European campaign, but they arguably possess the strongest squad in the Conference League. A 10th-place finish in the league phase followed three wins and two defeats in six games.
Glasner’s men face Mainz or Larnaca in the last 16, and both are tricky opposition. A 1-0 loss to Larnaca at Selhurst Park highlighted glaring issues that needed addressing, including a need for more options up top.
Guessand’s loan deal has proven to be a stellar piece of business, and the Ivorian is hitting form just at the right time. Jean-Philippe Mateta will soon be back, as will Eddie Nketiah, and having such depth in attack could be crucial if Glasner is to bid farewell by guiding his side to the Conference League trophy.
