Within the Eagles supporters, this occasion may have been many years in the making, however for the Austrian tactician, it's standard procedure. After winning the prestigious domestic trophy and the season's curtain-raiser, the inaugural significant honors ever achieved by the team, the Austrian manager who arrived at Selhurst Park a year and a half back asserting he wasn't a magician is getting ready his upcoming challenge: guiding Crystal Palace into the European showdown next May.
Euro Campaign Starts With Dynamo Kyiv
Following relegated from Europe's second tier once European football's governing body ruled Palace affiliated with a multi-club network, Crystal Palace edged past the Norwegian outfit in the qualifying round as the journey toward the final officially commences with the Ukrainian giants on Polish soil in the upcoming match. It is a fixture that has been greatly anticipated from the visiting contingent, with an extra 900 tickets swiftly claimed for the encounter at Lublin Arena, acting as Kyiv's European base following the conflict two years ago.
Winning Streak coupled with Squad Confidence
Glasner has tried to downplay the importance regarding the club's remarkable unbeaten streak, stressing post the last-gasp success over Liverpool on Saturday that “we’re still in September, so there’s nothing more to say”.
But given the Eagles maintaining the lengthiest run unbeaten among Europe's best by a clear margin, ahead of top clubs like Barca and Bayern, it's a notable accomplishment to dismiss. Skipper Guéhi gave an insight about the faith running deep in the Eagles at the moment.
“In terms of mentality, without a doubt it's present,” stated the captain, who avoided discussing regarding the unsuccessful switch to Liverpool at the last minute except to express gratitude the Eagles' followers for backing the team. We've experienced winning yet we remain hungry. All members within the organization aims higher – beginning with Glasner all the way down the squad. We have witnessed what we can do. It's possible that if we keep our heads down, hopefully we can have many more opportunities. Many more chances to achieve more.”
Questioned regarding Glasner's effect, the captain stated: Absent his guidance from the touchline, we would recognize what to do. An important aspect he emphasizes all the time: it’s not what we do, rather the approach. I think the approach in every task is vital. Entering the game with that attitude, that frame of mind, when we face obstacles with that approach, it supports our efforts and keeps us in good stead.”
Squad Decisions and European Pedigree
The problem for Glasner involves most of his first XI has played the vast majority of minutes in a packed schedule to date, with Guéhi and Maxence Lacroix, plus Muñoz and the striker notching 10 games for the club by the end of September. Facing the Ukrainian champions with significant experience on the continental stage historically, who claimed their first league title post-invasion the previous campaign coached by the former goalkeeper, the one-time keeper with 92 national team games with the national side, Glasner is expected to field a strong side and opt for a full-strength XI.
Our policy is to use the best available team,” stated the manager. “We reward positive contributions, since each player who featured, including substitutes who entered in the last games, deserve to start, and that’s the best for a manager. We have many players worthy of starting, since they remain in very good shape.”
Uncharted Territory plus Top Contenders
This competition represents an unfamiliar challenge for the manager, who could have imagined his chances of repeating his earlier triumph in Germany in the Europa League had circumstances been different. However Crystal Palace are considered the top picks to join of West Ham and Chelsea as they aim to be the third London club to win the trophy that started in 2021.
The manager admitted the team may confront a distinct test against sides that defend deeply. Our squad has the talent to overcome deep lines in matches,” he said. It was evident yesterday in the Champions League, Liverpool struck out to get goals and the Blues facing the Portuguese, they’re both with nearly 70% of the ball. Yet it doesn't ensure a high score. But we think our team can to find the net, independent of the approach Kyiv takes.”
