- Crystal Palace face Shakhtar Donetsk tonight
- Oliver Glasner responds to Christantus Uche interview
- Andoni Iraola ‘close’ to taking Eagles job
It’s proving to be quite the day of news for Crystal Palace ahead of tonight’s UEFA Conference League encounter with Shakhtar Donetsk. Oliver Glasner’s men host the Ukrainians in the second leg of the semi-finals.
Glasner spoke in his pre-match press conference about what winning the competition would mean for everyone at Palace. They are a game away from the final in Leipzig and hold a 3-1 win on aggregate from the first leg.
Tonight’s game isn’t the only talking point at Selhurst Park on Thursday (May 7th). Glasner has responded to Read Crystal Palace‘s interview with Christantus Uche, while Andoni Iraola is reportedly likely to take over next season.
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Selhurst Hosts Shakhtar
Tonight has the makings of another famous European outing for Glasner’s men who are so close to reaching the Conference League final. Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Jorgen Strand Larsen have Palace within touching distance of confirming a trip to Leipzig.
Glasner will still be without Evann Guessand who hasn’t recovered in time for tonight’s match. But he has Will Hughes back after returning from illness.
The Eagles will be hoping to deliver a similar performance and result to that of their last home game in the Conference League. A 3-0 win over Fiorentina made for a very special occassion.
Glasner Responds to Uche
Uche is heading back to Getafe at the end of the season but his exit comes with some controversy. The Nigerian attacker spoke to Read Crystal Palace (via OurCPFC) about his situation and thanked fans before admitting he doesn’t feel like Glasner ‘likes me.’
The interview was put to Glasner ahead of tonight’s game and he insisted he doesn’t blame Uche for his dissatisfaction not staying internal. He explained why he removed him from his Conference League squad earlier this year:
“There was absolutely nothing personal involved. I like him as a person, but I had to make a professional choice. Every player here receives the best possible support we can offer. However, you also have to be open to receiving that help. Support is not a one-way street; it must be reciprocal. He remains our player, and he will continue to get our full backing.”
Uche has made 22 appearances across competitions for Palace, posting two goals and one assist. He hasn’t featured for the Eagles since a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in early March.
Iraola ‘Close’
Reports in Spain suggest Iraola is close to agreeing on replacing Glasner at the end of the season. The Spaniard is leaving Bournemouth, and Steve Parish has been the board’s top choice to take over.
It’s said that Iraola is put off by Chelsea’s proposal and prefers Palace. If true, it would be a major coup for the South London outfit to beat one of the big six to a manager in such high demand.
Iraola has earned plaudits throughout his spell at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries currently sit sixth in the league, granting them Europa League qualification.
