Crystal Palace’s Surprising Rise Under Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner, the manager of Crystal Palace, expressed his disbelief when questioned about the possibility of his team achieving a top-10 finish in the Premier League after just three months in charge. The mood was somber in south London when Glasner took over the struggling Eagles in February, with disillusioned fans displaying protest banners.
A New Dawn for Crystal Palace
Before Jean-Philippe Mateta’s remarkable hat-trick in Palace’s 5-0 victory over Aston Villa, a banner in the Holmesdale end proclaimed, “Forever red and blue, a new dawn beckons.” Glasner, despite the odds, remained focused on the team’s performance rather than the league table.
Hard Work Pays Off
Glasner emphasized the team’s dedication to improvement and hard work, leading to their recent success. The presence of key players like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, who overcame injuries to contribute significantly to the team’s performance, played a crucial role in Palace’s resurgence.
Rise of Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta’s exceptional form, with nine goals in the last eight matches, has been a highlight of Palace’s recent games. His impact has been instrumental in the team’s success, showcasing his talent and goal-scoring prowess under Glasner’s guidance.
Future Prospects
Despite speculation about the future of Olise and Eze, Glasner remains optimistic about retaining them in the squad. He emphasized the club’s ambition, playing style, and the players’ importance in the team’s journey forward.
Unai Emery’s Perspective
Unai Emery, the opposing manager, acknowledged his team’s fatigue after Palace’s dominant performance. He attributed the loss to a lack of energy following their recent achievement of securing fourth place and Champions League qualification.
Emery stressed the importance of maintaining consistency and competitiveness, despite the challenges faced by the team. He commended his players for their efforts throughout the season and accepted the defeat as part of the game.