Crystal Palace beat Shakhtar Donetsk
Oliver Glasner asked about future
Austrian focused on the job
Oliver Glasner refused to comment on whether he’ll find it hard to leave Crystal Palace after watching his side take a massive step towards a first-ever European final. The Austrian oversaw a 3-1 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final last night.
That victory has put him on the verge of becoming the first manager in the club’s history to guide the Eagles to a European final. After last season’s FA Cup triumph, he could leave Selhurst Park with yet another major trophy.
Palace’s win came courtesy of goals from Ismaila Sarr (1′), Daichi Kamada (58′) and Jorgen Strand Larsen (84′). Shakhtar had equalised through Oleh Ocheretko but it was the South Londoners who celebrated a victory in Krakow, Poland.
Glasner on Leaving Palace
Glasner announced in January that he had decided to leave Palace when his contract expires in June. This was initially met with backlash, and it threatened to ruin the relationship he holds with the club’s fanbase.
Once the dust settled and the new year rang in so too did the Eagles’ superb spring form. They battled their way to the knockout stages of the Conference League and saw off Fiorentina in the previous round.
Shakhtar were billed as tougher opposition. But Glasner’s side stuck to their plan and took advantage of the tie before the second leg at Selhurst Park next Thursday.
Glasner was asked after the game if nights like last night make his decision to leave difficult. He responded (via Ed Aarons):
“I think it is the wrong moment to discuss my future. It is not important – now it is 100% focus, hopefully until the 27th of May with a huge party, and then we will see that I can party as well.”
He added:
“I promised I will give my best and try to be the best Oliver Glasner I can be until the last day and I think this is what we now experience. Because I think that is also my character, and I am not fleeing or running away.”
Glasner took charge of Palace in February 2024 and has built a team competing in Europe after winning the FA Cup. He is close to adding a second European Cup to his list of managerial achievements.
It might be a farewell for the Austrian but it’s proving to be a perfect one. But as he mentioned, all focus is on the task at hand and that’s beating Shakhtar in the second leg.