- Glasner praises players for reaching semi final
- Manager encourages ‘identity’ and ‘personality’
- Palace prepare for biggest game of the season
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has sent a public message to his players ahead of tonight’s Europa Conference League semi final first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk. Palace will play their first ever European semi final in their history, and with the second leg at home and the odds stacked in their favour, Palace fans will be hoping for a positive result.
Shakhtar’s record against English sides is not good reading for fans of the current Ukrainian Premier League leaders. In 19 games, The Miners have won just five times. However, all five of these wins have come in home games.
In their last eight games against English opposition, they’ve lost six, and conceded 18 goals, an average of 2.25 per game.
Glasner’s message to players
In his pre-match press conference, Oliver Glasner revealed his message to his players against what is their biggest game of the season. “The message is to be yourself, play our style, express yourself, play with confidence, try to score goals, work very hard to avoid chances for the opposition, but the most important thing is to play our style.”
Palace have thrived consistently under Oliver Glasner, especially when facing sides who look to attack them and bring the game to Palace. Shakhtar will do this. They play consistently positive football, and look to isolate defenders in wide areas where their Brazilian flair can expose weaknesses and create chances.
Arda Turan’s side are also not the best when defending on transitions, a side of the game which Palace have always exposed as part of their identity as a club.
The pace of Ismaïla Sarr could be a key tool in Palace unlocking Shakhtar’s backline, and the midfield battle will also be a key feature of the game.
Adam Wharton will play a key role in breaking the lines and his passing ability may well prove crucial to creating chances for his teammates.
With Sarr chasing the top scorer award, Palace fans will be hoping to see him provided with ample opportunities to add to his tally of seven Conference League goals.
A position of pride for Glasner
Palace’s progression to the semi finals is a monumental achievement, and Glasner was keen to praise his players for that success. “We are where we are because we created our identity, our personality, so it would be complete nonsense if we changed it now.”
Palace may be favourites, but that doesn’t guarantee a result for the Eagles. Glasner was keen to reinforce this message too, in an attempt to keep his players grounded.
“We say ‘okay, we play our way’, and then it’s sports – you can lose or win – but if you don’t show your identity, you can lose twice, and this is what we never want.”
Palace will be hoping that that identity can carry them through what will undoubtedly be a very competitive tie.
