- Ian Wright praises Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner
- Calls him ‘the best’
- Austrian leaves Eagles in June
Ian Wright insists Oliver Glasner will go down as the greatest manager in Crystal Palace’s history when he leaves this summer. The Eagles boss departs in June when his contract expires.
Glasner can do so by guiding Palace to a first-ever European trophy. His side have made it to the UEFA Conference League final and they face Rayo Vallecano on May 27th.
Before that, the South London outfit have four Premier League games to ensure they finish as high the table as possible. First up is an encounter with Everton today at Selhurst Park.
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Wright Full of Praise For Glasner
Glasner has already made history during his reign, guiding Palace to the FA Cup last season. The Austrian also led the Eagles to a Community Shield triumph in this campaign’s curtain raiser.
Wright started his career with the South Londoners and played under legendary former manager Steve Coppell. The club legend claims that Glasner is cementing his legacy as the very best coach (via Sky Sports):
“Amazing. He’s given notice that he’s leaving. I’m pleased the way it’s turned out in the Conference League for him because it could have got very toxic. It’s something he’s acknowledged saying that he’s said some things that he might have taken back.”
He added:
“I’m glad it’s finishing in a way that it could be successful for everyone. He’s leaving the place in a better place and like I say he’ll go down as the best manager in Palace’s history. FA Cup and then a Conference in two years is amazing.”
Glasner arrived at Palace in February 2024, initially not making the best of starts. He then got a grasp of English football and built the team in his image, which ultimately resulted in a famous FA Cup win.
Winning the Conference League is the perfect send-off for the Austrian. He won the Europa League during his time in charge at Eintracht Frankfurt.
If he were to add the Conference League trophy to his list of achievements, he’d grant the Eagles a place in the Europa League next season.
‘Still Compete’ – Roy Keane on Glasner
Wright’s colleague Roy Keane echoed his sentiments over Glasner and highlighted how he has still managed to have Palace competing despite high-profile exits. The likes of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi left Selhurst Park.
Keane said:
“These managers challenge after selling their best players and still compete.”
Jamie Redknapp also praised Glasner and his potential successor, Andoni Iraola:
“The biggest compliment I can give Glasner and Iraola is when you say you’re leaving a club it’s very easy for players to down tools.”
Glasner can leave his mark on English football by influencing the Premier League title race. Palace face Manchester City on Wednesday (May 13th) before battling league leaders Arsenal on the final day of the season (May 24th).
