Crystal Palace officials are preparing for life after Oliver Glasner, but there is still hope that the Austrian coach can make it back-to-back title-winning campaigns in south London.
The Conference League is proving the Eagles’ saving grace at the moment, and form in the Premier League leaves much to be desired; so much so, in fact, that the Palace cannot be reckoned with without a war of adjournment, it must be built without progress in the next few months.
The height of the 2025 tower is formidable and impregnable above the current Palace. A change is needed, as the weather turns sour and defeat on the road in Europe is sure to destroy any connection with fans Glasner has left after his recent controversial comments.
The latest on the future of Glasner’s Palace
In January, Glasner revealed that he would be leaving his position at the end of the season. With Crystal Palace on a bad run and days to go before they lose their captain, Marc Guehi, against Manchester City, that was not allowed.
The Austrian then fanned those flames last month by hitting back at sections of the fans chanting for his sacking. It is an unfortunate situation, and one that continues to hang over the garment like a dark cloud.
The poor deal is built solely on the strength of the Conference League, but chairman Steve Parish would be wise to prepare to make a change, if needed.
Last weekend, Will Still appeared at Old Trafford as Palace lost 2-1. This sparked discussion about the appointment of the former Southampton manager as Glasner’s replacement.
However, the 33-year-old will fit the London club’s emphasis on emerging talent, both on the pitch and in the dugout.
Why Palace want Will Still
Crystal Palace often benefit from recruits who have developed their skills in French Ligue 1. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise are among the most outstanding French players of modern times.
In the pit, Patrick Vieira spent two years in charge before being fired in 2023. Anyway, can we see a new and improved version?
Still not French. Born and educated in Belgium to English parents, the footballer is fluent in French and spent three years on the other side of the English Channel (with Reims and Lens) before arriving at Southampton last year after their relegation from the Premier League.
He has only been given 16 games in charge of St. Mary’s Stadium, but he was not out of his depth. Not only was he the ideal choice for success at any club, but he had the best chance of making it work with Palace.
Yet he can find a diverse and dynamic mix of attacking talent to sing his way. His preferred 4-3-3 formation can also help his offense, bringing the same kind of passion for the ball as Vieira in front of him but a more fine-tuned analytical mind than Vieira.
In addition, he is an excellent man manager, something that could not be accused of being part of the one-time Arsenal Invincible.
|
Glasner’s top goals at Crystal Palace |
||
|---|---|---|
|
The player |
Applications |
Goals |
|
Jean-Philippe Mateta |
93 |
40 |
|
Ismail Sarr |
74 |
23 |
|
Eberechi Eze |
56 |
20 |
|
Eddie Nketiah |
56 |
11 |
|
Daniel Munoz |
89 |
10 |
With a 44.9% possession average in the Premier League this season, Palace are not strong in football. This speaks well of Still’s chances of introducing his tactics to the team, however, with his pressing style somewhat consistent.
In this case, the comparison with Vieira is also reinforced. When Palace sacked Roy Hodgson and replaced him with the legendary Frenchman, he headed for a progressive, forward-thinking mind.
Still favoring attacking football, Reims scored 91 goals in 64 games in all competitions with a young coach in charge.
He still played for Southampton and did not plan, but that does not mean that he has been permanently removed from the English game. A young and energetic manager with big ideas, he endured the necessary learning curve that would see him thrive in a Palace side that would welcome his positive vision.
Last summer, French football expert Julian Laurens said he is still one of the brightest young managers in Europe with the same style and presence as Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.
But given his early career that took him from France to England, the red-haired coach could be a new breed for Vieira’s team.
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