Oliver Glasner is officially leaving Crystal Palace, and he does so having completely rewritten the club’s history books. Just hours after guiding the Eagles to a monumental 1–0 victory over Rayo Vallecano to lift the UEFA Conference League trophy, the Austrian tactician bid an emotional farewell to the South London faithful, walking away at the absolute pinnacle of his powers.
Glasner had already announced back in January that he would step down when his contract expired at the end of the season. His departure brings the curtain down on an unforgettable two-and-a-half-year tenure that transformed Palace from perennial Premier League survivors into a fierce, trophy-winning machine.
Leaving as the Club’s Greatest Ever
When Glasner arrived at Selhurst Park in February 2024, Palace were languishing in 15th place, nervously looking over their shoulders at a relegation battle. Nobody could have predicted the modern golden era that would follow.
In just 12 months, Glasner has delivered the first three major trophies in Crystal Palace’s 121-year history: the unforgettable FA Cup triumph against Manchester City, the Community Shield win over Liverpool in August, and now, the ultimate continental prize in Leipzig.
“He has got to be one of the best managers Palace has ever had,” Man of the Match Adam Wharton said after the final whistle. “The difference he has made is incredible. He changed how this club looks at competitions—we are looking to win now.”
“No Plans Other Than a Hangover”
Speculation is already rampant regarding Glasner’s next destination, with heavy links to top-tier vacancies in the Premier League and the German Bundesliga. However, the 51-year-old manager insists his only immediate priority is celebrating with his historic squad before returning home to his family in Austria for a well-deserved break.
“I have no future plans, other than flying back to London with a hangover,” Glasner joked during his final press conference. “I haven’t even thought about anything past tomorrow. I haven’t had the energy to speak with another club because I felt duty-bound to give 100% of Oliver Glasner to Palace. It was a good chapter to read in the Crystal Palace book, but other chapters will follow.”
Glasner leaves behind a phenomenal foundation, a squad boasting 12 players heading to the World Cup, and automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Europa League. While a new era begins at Selhurst Park this summer, Glasner’s legacy as the man who conquered Europe for South London is forever secure.
