Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, drawing a bittersweet chapter to an unprecedented era in the club’s history. The Austrian, aged 51, has become a figure of significance at the club, leaving an indelible mark after leading the Eagles to their first major trophy when they triumphed over Manchester City to lift the FA Cup last season.
This monumental victory not only solidified Glasner’s status but also marked a new chapter for the club, granting them entry into this season’s Conference League—an inaugural experience of major European competition. Under his stewardship, Palace also managed to best Liverpool on penalties to win the Community Shield in August, further showcasing the team’s competitive spirit during his tenure.
According to sources from BBC Sport, Glasner was presented with an extension offer last summer. However, he publicly confirmed on Friday that he had informed club chairman Steve Parish back in October of his decision not to extend his contract, stating that discussions about his future were kept private until now to maintain focus amid the ongoing season’s demands.
“A decision has already been taken, months ago,” Glasner shared, reflecting on his earlier meeting with Parish during the international break. “We had a very long talk, and I told him I will not sign a new contract. We agreed at the time it was the best to keep it between us. It’s the best that we could do that and keep it confidential for three months.”
This decision comes against the backdrop of Palace’s captain Marc Guehi edging closer to a transfer to Manchester City. Glasner made it clear, however, that his impending departure was unrelated to transfer strategies. “Now it’s important to have clarity,” he stated, emphasizing the busy schedule that necessitated a delay in addressing his future. He further indicated, “Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace.”
On Thursday night, a deal was struck between Manchester City and Palace for Guehi, and Glasner was promptly updated on this significant development. Early Friday morning, at the south London training center, Glasner had a conversation with Guehi where the defender’s intention to join City was confirmed. In a dramatic gathering shortly before noon, Glasner addressed the squad in a private meeting, delivering the news of his resignation effective in June.
Although Glasner expressed a desire for Guehi to remain with the club for the remainder of the season, he acknowledged the inevitability of the deal with City for the English center-half. The timing of his announcement is thought to be partially influenced by the Guehi transfer, highlighting the interconnectedness of club dynamics and managerial decisions.
Having taken over from Roy Hodgson in February 2024, Glasner guided the Eagles from a precarious 15th in the Premier League to an impressive 10th-place finish. Following his inaugural full season, Palace finished 12th, and, most notably, clinched the FA Cup title—a testament to Glasner’s managerial acumen and the squad’s talent.
As he prepares to exit the club, Palace currently finds itself in 13th place in the league table and grappling with a nine-match winless streak across all competitions, which includes a surprising defeat by non-league Macclesfield in the FA Cup. The team finished 10th during the Conference League’s league phase and now faces Bosnian club Zrinjski in the play-off round, seeking a crucial spot in the last 16.
Despite the team’s recent struggles, Glasner’s reputation remains intact, with reports linking him to potential managerial opportunities, including the prestigious role at Manchester United. “I’m just looking for a new challenge,” he admitted, reassuring his players that he remains fully committed to achieving success in the remaining matches. “I haven’t spoken to any other club, I told the players that and promised them today I will give my best to give the best season in Crystal Palace history, the best points tally in history.”
Reflecting on the season so far, he noted that the club is currently four points better off than at the same stage last year and expressed a resolute determination to bring another trophy back to Selhurst Park. “While Palace remain in the Conference League, they had hoped to be playing in the Europa League this season after their FA Cup triumph. However, they were demoted to the Conference League by Uefa for breaching multi-club ownership rules—a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after appeal.”
As Glasner’s tenure at Selhurst Park draws to a close in June, he remains confident that the club’s trajectory can continue in a positive direction. “I know that this club is in great hands where everybody wants the best for Palace,” he concluded. “Football can be a rollercoaster, as we sometimes see how the best day, the FA Cup final, and the worst day, the loss to Macclesfield, can coexist within six months. This is the nature of football.”
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