‘Best boss & team in Palace history’ – but will it be a special season?

Crystal Palace’s Surging Performance

Crystal Palace is on a remarkable journey in the Premier League, currently holding the fourth position on the table. The team’s impressive performance, bolstered by a top-notch manager, has led to the best campaign in the club’s history. This past Sunday, they secured a narrow 2-1 victory against Fulham, thanks to Marc Guehi’s late header, propelling them into the Champions League qualification spots.

Strong Start to the Season

The Eagles have amassed an impressive 26 points from their first 15 matches, a club record for this stage of the Premier League season. Their current form has raised expectations that they could qualify for Europe’s elite competition next season.

Eddie Nketiah, who scored the opening goal against Fulham, expressed optimism, saying, “the sky is the limit” for the team if they maintain their current momentum. Manager Oliver Glasner also praised the collective effort of his players, stating, “I could mention many players, but it was a huge team effort – that makes me very proud.”

However, Glasner had previously expressed concerns about the lack of investment during the summer transfer window after suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United.

Managerial Praise Amidst Concerns

Glasner, whose contract concludes at the season’s end, faces uncertainty as the futures of key players like Guehi and Adam Wharton hang in the balance. Questions loom about whether the club’s owners can retain the manager who has led them to unprecedented success. Will Palace’s management support Glasner adequately to sustain this promising season?

The Legacy of Glasner

Oliver Glasner took the managerial reins at Crystal Palace in February 2024 after successful tenures at Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt. Under his guidance, the club has achieved record points in consecutive seasons and captured their first major trophy by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup last season. This victory allowed them to make their debut in a major European competition, albeit in the Europa Conference League due to ownership regulations.

Acknowledgment from Experts

Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool and England player, noted on Sky Sports, “We are witnessing the finest manager and team in Crystal Palace’s history.” He remarked on how supporters could hardly have imagined the transformation since Glasner’s arrival.

Selhurst Park has become a fortress, with the team remaining unbeaten at home until their recent loss to Manchester United. Away from home, Palace has shown commendable form, accumulating significant points since Glasner took charge.

Despite this, the recent defeat to United led to Glasner criticizing the club’s lack of reinvestment following the £60 million sale of Eberechi Eze during the summer. His comments suggest that the squad’s depth has been tested, especially after midweek European matches, with a concerning record of four consecutive league losses in such scenarios this season.

Managing Expectations and Future Ambitions

Glasner’s ambitious nature is apparent, but he feels constrained by the squad’s depth. This raises the possibility of significant activity during the January transfer window. As his contract expiration approaches in June, aligning the ambitions of the club and the manager is crucial for continued success.

Shay Given, a former Newcastle goalkeeper, remarked on Glasner’s phenomenal achievements and stressed the importance of securing his commitment for the long-term. The speculation surrounding Guehi’s contract and interest from Liverpool adds another layer of uncertainty, while multiple clubs are targeting playmaker Adam Wharton.

Injured players such as Ismaila Sarr, soon to participate in AFCON, and Jean-Philippe Mateta also have aspirations of playing Champions League football. Given emphasized the need for squad depth, noting that managing the Premier League schedule is becoming increasingly challenging.

This period is arguably the most successful in Crystal Palace’s history, yet the threat of disbandment looms as key players are pursued by other clubs, jeopardizing their extraordinary campaign.