Crystal Palace have remarkably marched all the way to the UEFA Conference League final, an inspiring European campaign that caps off a truly unforgettable second continental adventure.
The highly anticipated final takes place on Wednesday, May 27, at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. The soaring Eagles face Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in a bid to lift their first ever European trophy.
But in a bittersweet twist, manager Oliver Glasner will officially leave the club immediately after the final whistle. So why is he waving goodbye?
A golden legacy
During his highly successful tenure, the Austrian delivered unprecedented glory: the FA Cup and the Community Shield. The club’s first major silverware.
Before arriving at Selhurst Park in February 2024 to replace Roy Hodgson, Glasner had built an elite reputation across Europe, most notably guiding Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022.
Fatigue and family
The primary catalyst for his departure? The intense mental and physical toll of an unrelenting 59 game season. His loved ones have remained back home in Austria for over two years while he navigated the gruelling Premier League calendar.
“I will go home and have a rest on my terrace and enjoy my family,” Glasner explained. “When you have this schedule, it’s for me now also giving them time back.”
Boardroom friction
Tensions simmered behind the scenes in January when chairman Steve Parish sold captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City. Glasner openly expressed frustration, accusing the board of abandoning him during a challenging winter stretch.
What’s next?
While his trophy winning track record will attract top European suitors, Glasner currently has no immediate plans to join another team. The 51 year old intends to enjoy a complete sabbatical before deciding on his next chapter.
Back at Selhurst Park, Palace want Bournemouth’s departing manager Andoni Iraola to succeed him. Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna are also being linked.
The bottom line
A European final. Then goodbye.
Fatigue. Family. Friction with the board. Glasner has earned his rest.
Palace lose a legend. The Premier League loses one of its most interesting managers. And Glasner heads home to his terrace.
What a way to go out.
