Crystal Palace has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past year. The fans were initially disheartened when Roy Hodgson was given another season as the club’s manager. Fast forward twelve months, and the atmosphere around the club is now filled with ambition and optimism.
The dream of European football has always seemed far-fetched for Crystal Palace supporters, but now, under the leadership of Europa League winner Oliver Glasner, it is becoming a realistic goal for the South London club.
Glasner took over as head coach for the final 13 games of last season, inheriting a team that was just five points away from relegation. His primary goal was to secure Crystal Palace’s place in the Premier League, a challenge he successfully met by guiding the team to a respectable tenth-place finish, with only three losses under his management.
However, Glasner’s impact goes beyond just results on the pitch. He has instilled a new culture and mentality at the club, fostering a belief that Crystal Palace can compete with any team in the league. This mindset was evident in their impressive record against teams above them in the table, winning seven out of ten matches.
While the departure of key players like Michael Olise and possibly Marc Guehi to Bayern Munich raises concerns, it is important to note that these moves were the result of smart business decisions by sporting director Dougie Freedman. The club has a history of finding value in the transfer market, as seen in their acquisitions of Olise, Guehi, Eberechi Eze, Cheick Doucoure, and Adam Wharton for a combined sum of £87 million.
Despite the challenges of replacing such talented players, Crystal Palace has made some promising signings in Daichi Kamada, Chadi Riad, and Ismaila Sarr for a total of £26.5 million. These additions bring depth and quality to the squad, with each player offering unique strengths that align with Glasner’s style of play.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Palace is expected to further strengthen their squad with additions in defense, midfield, and attack. The club’s commitment to investing in talent and selling them at their peak demonstrates a smart and sustainable approach to building a competitive team.
With a deep and versatile squad at his disposal, Glasner has the potential to lead Crystal Palace to a successful campaign. The team’s newfound depth and quality in every position make them a dark horse for a top-eight finish in the Premier League and possibly even a shot at European qualification, if things fall into place. The future looks bright for the Eagles as they embark on their journey towards European success.