Crystal Palace finds themselves embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation in the Premier League.
Following a draw against fellow strugglers Everton on Monday, they have managed just one league victory this year and currently sit in 15th place, holding a five-point buffer above the relegation zone.
Enter Oliver Glasner. In a whirlwind few hours on Monday, the former Eintracht Frankfurt manager was appointed as Palace’s new boss, stepping in after Roy Hodgson’s departure.
The 49-year-old Austrian, who witnessed his new team secure a valuable point at Goodison Park, is renowned for his ability to rejuvenate struggling teams. However, this time, he faces the challenge of doing so mid-season, without the luxury of the transfer window.
Described as adept at underdog football, Glasner’s tactical approach often involves hitting opponents on the break rather than adopting a possession-based style. Given Palace’s squad and performances this season, his approach could be well-suited, at least initially.
Yet, there are questions about how quickly Glasner can integrate with the squad, especially given his limited experience outside of Austria and Germany. Building a strong rapport with players is essential for success, a feat he achieved notably during Frankfurt’s Europa League triumph in 2021-22.
Despite this success, Glasner faced challenges in his final season at Frankfurt, marked by underwhelming Bundesliga performances and strained relations with club management. He’ll need to demonstrate composure amid adversity and scrutiny.
Glasner’s tenure at Palace begins amidst crucial fixtures, and his ability to navigate these challenges will be closely watched.
Last season, the club opted for a youthful manager in Patrick Vieira, and they’ve followed a similar approach this time, aiming to capitalize on the potential within their young squad.
Glasner had attracted interest from clubs like Chelsea and Tottenham, bolstering his managerial reputation after clinching the Europa League title with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Despite previous discussions with Lyon, another club owned by Palace co-owner John Textor, it’s believed that Palace presents a more suitable fit for Glasner. There’s optimism that his attacking style of football will unleash the full potential of the Eagles’ players.
A significant challenge for Glasner lies in the fact that four key players are currently sidelined with injuries. With crucial home fixtures against Burnley and Luton approaching, it remains to be seen how he navigates the absence of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, and Cheick Doucoure.
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