Crystal Palace Boss Oliver Glasner on the Challenge of Replacing Michael Olise
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is facing a significant challenge as he looks to fill the void left by the departure of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich. The 22-year-old attacker was a key player for the Eagles last season, contributing 16 goals in 19 Premier League appearances and impressing for France at the Olympic Games. With Olise now plying his trade in the Bundesliga, Glasner believes it will take more than the £50 million received for his transfer to find a suitable replacement.
Glasner’s Approach to Replacing Olise
Glasner is known for his pragmatic approach to managing his team, and he is taking a similar approach to the task of replacing Olise. Rather than focusing on the difficulties of finding a like-for-like replacement, Glasner is looking at the strengths of the players currently at his disposal and how he can utilize them effectively.
“It’s about thinking in solutions, not in problems,” Glasner said. “It’s about which profiles we have now and which players we have. How can we get them into positions where they can show their strengths?”
The Eagles have made some additions to their attacking ranks in the form of Daichi Kamada and Ismailla Sarr, along with retaining Eberechi Eze. Glasner sees these players as having different strengths and qualities that can be utilized to maintain the team’s attacking threat.
Adapting to Different Profiles
Glasner emphasized the importance of adapting to the different profiles of the players in his squad. Each player brings something unique to the table, whether it’s speed, technical ability, or goal-scoring prowess. By using a variety of players with different strengths, Glasner believes that the team can keep the opposition guessing and maintain their attacking threat.
“It’s not about replacing Michael one to one and having the same type and quality,” Glasner explained. “We decided to go with different profiles and different players with their own qualities. Everyone has shown that they can score goals – everyone in a different way.”
Managing the Rhythm of the Game
One of the key aspects of Glasner’s approach to replacing Olise is his focus on influencing the rhythm of the game through substitutions. With a variety of attacking options at his disposal, Glasner can make strategic changes during matches to keep the opposition off balance and maximize his team’s chances of success.
“During the game, we want to influence the rhythm of the game with substitutions,” Glasner said. “We have many opportunities now to change things up and keep the opposition guessing. It’s all about finding the right balance and using our attacking options effectively.”
Maintaining Communication with Olise
Despite Olise’s departure to Bayern Munich, Glasner remains in contact with the young attacker. While Olise may not have been the most responsive during his time at Crystal Palace, Glasner has found that the player is more communicative now that he is in Germany.
“It’s funny,” Glasner remarked. “Sometimes when I messaged him here, he didn’t answer. But since he’s been in Munich, he’s been more responsive. He had a great Olympics with France, and I wish him all the best in his career.”
Looking Ahead
As Crystal Palace prepare for the upcoming season, Glasner is focused on maximizing the potential of his squad and finding the right balance in attack. While Olise’s departure is a significant loss, Glasner is confident that the team can adapt and continue to be competitive in the Premier League.
With a mix of experienced players and exciting new additions, Crystal Palace will look to build on last season’s success and push for a top-half finish in the league. Glasner’s pragmatic approach and focus on using the strengths of his players effectively will be key to the team’s success as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming campaign.
