Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will step down at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable era at Selhurst Park. The 51-year-old Austrian leaves as a Palace legend, having guided the Eagles to their first major trophy in club history with last season’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.
Glasner’s Historic Achievements at Palace
Since replacing Roy Hodgson in February 2024, Glasner has overseen a transformative period for Palace. He took the team, then 15th in the Premier League, to a 10th-place finish in his first partial season in charge. In his first full campaign, Palace finished 12th but lifted the FA Cup, a milestone that also qualified the club for European competition for the first time.
Despite hopes of participating in the Europa League following the FA Cup victory, UEFA relegated Palace to the Conference League due to breaches of multi-club ownership rules, a decision later upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Nevertheless, Glasner guided the Eagles to the Conference League last-16 play-offs, where they will face Bosnian side Zrinjski.
Under Glasner, Palace also secured the Community Shield with a penalty shootout victory over Liverpool, cementing his reputation as one of the club’s most successful managers in modern history.
Timing and Context of Glasner’s Departure
Although Glasner made the decision to leave months ago, he waited until this week to make it public, following the announcement of captain Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City. Sources suggest the Guehi transfer served as the catalyst for Glasner’s public confirmation, though the manager emphasized his departure had been decided independently.
“A decision has already been taken, months ago,” Glasner said. “I had a meeting with Steve [Parish] in October, and I told him I will not sign a new contract. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace.”
Glasner also met with the squad in a private session at the club’s Beckenham training ground to inform them of his decision before it became public. He reassured players and fans alike that he would continue to give his all for the remainder of the season.
Legacy Amid Recent Struggles
This season has been challenging for Palace, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League and are on a nine-match winless streak in all competitions, including a shock FA Cup defeat to non-league Macclesfield. Despite these setbacks, Glasner remains highly respected, with his tenure marked by historic success and club-first achievements.
The Austrian manager stressed his commitment to leaving the club on a high note:
“I promised the players I will give my best to deliver the best season in Crystal Palace history, the best points tally in history. We are now four points better off than we were at this stage of the season and we will do everything to bring another trophy back to Selhurst Park.”
Future Plans and Managerial Prospects
Glasner, who previously managed Eintracht Frankfurt, is reportedly open to a new managerial challenge but insists he has not held talks with other clubs. Reports have linked him with the Manchester United managerial role, reflecting his rising profile in European football.
“I’m just looking for a new challenge,” Glasner added. “I know that this club is in great hands. This is football – the best day and worst day can happen within six months. That is what you have got to deal with in football.”
Marc Guehi Transfer and Squad Changes
Glasner’s announcement coincides with Palace captain Marc Guehi’s £20 million move to Manchester City, confirmed on Thursday. While Glasner expressed a desire for Guehi to remain for the rest of the season, the deal had already been finalized.
The centre-back transfer reflects ongoing squad transitions, and Glasner’s departure will mark the end of a highly successful era at Selhurst Park, setting the stage for Palace’s next chapter under a new manager.
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