- Glasner will manage his final game for Crystal Palace on Wednesday
- A chance to bow out with a third trophy
- An open letter to our greatest manager
Oliver Glasner will bow out in Leipzig this week as Palace play their final game under the Austrian manager. A Conference League final being his last game epitomises Glasner’s time at Palace, and just like fans of the South London club, Glasner too is hoping for a ‘fairytale’ ending.
Before that final, Glasner managed his final game at Selhurst Park, at least for Palace, and departed with a legacy unimaginable when he first walked through the doors.
After two campaigns in SE25, Glasner leaves Palace having guided the club to its first ever trophy, winning the FA Cup last season.
That success was followed by further glory, winning the community shield at the start of this season.
Now, there is one final chance for silverware, with a European final around the corner.
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Glasner’s fairytale ending
Speaking ahead of the final, Glasner discussed the importance of this final fixture as Crystal Palace manager.
“This will be the perfect ending”, Glasner smiled.
“When you watch a movie or read a book, you always hope for a happy ending. A two-year journey with another trophy – the first European trophy in Crystal Palace history – would be incredible.”
Of course, Glasner is on the money, and whilst there have been times of frustration, you simply cannot help but smile when reflecting on the past two campaigns.
And so, let’s take a moment to do just that.
A turbulent, but terrific two years.
Coming into a frustrated and uncertain dressing room, Glasner got off to winning ways with a 3-0 victory against Burnley.
He brought in players from his past, the likes of Daichi Kamada and Maxence Lacroix, who have been pivotal to the club’s recent success.
There were the highest of highs and some very low lows, including the time where it felt almost impossible for him to continue at his post.
Yet, through it all, he remained true to himself. He spoke out when he felt it was necessary, he dug deep where he had to, and he ultimately bows out as a true great.
A club-record 19 game unbeaten run across the backend of last season and beginning of this, matched painfully by a 12 game run without a win, which was ended with a 1-0 victory at the AMEX.
Glasner has already established himself as Palace’s most successful manager, having guided the club to what was a completely unexpected and unprecedented FA Cup win.
His leadership disrupted the dominance of the big clubs on football’s most historic trophy, and reminded the world why the FA Cup is so magical.
His further success in the Community Shield, effectively the Supercup of English football, again rejuvenated a normally drab ‘glorified pre-season friendly’.
He recaptured the imagination and enthusiasm of Selhurst Park, and rediscovered the passion for many fans who were beginning to feel lost in a cycle of mediocrity.
Finishing 12th consistently in the Premier League is not the pits of footballing support by any means, but all fans asked for was something else.
Something a bit more tangible to be able to say, “you know what, I’m proud of this club.”
And Glasner provided that.
There were moments where it didn’t look like he would continue at Palace this season, but my god I’m glad he stuck around.
Who knew that a boy born in Salzburg, Austria, would have such a defining impact on a club in South London?
There’s one more game to go, a chance to change the trajectory of this football club forever.
And so, I want to thank Glasner. Thank you for creating memories that I will carry for life, for the moments of true joy and disbelief that followed the final whistle on May 17th 2025, not just for myself, but for everyone associated with Palace.
You will forever be welcome in South London.
The greatest manager in the history of Crystal Palace football club.
