Glasner remains unapologetic about speaking candidly as Crystal Palace advance to the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League following a win over Zrinjski Mostar
Crystal Palace savoured a rare continental high at Selhurst Park, beating Zrinjski Mostar 2-0 and advancing 3-1 on aggregate to the UEFA Conference league last 16 for the first time. The win felt like the sort of night Palace fans long for: organised defending, rapid transitions and a couple of set-piece moments that swung the tie in their favour.
Oliver Glasner’s presence loomed as large off the pitch as the clean sheets did on it. He’s as forthright as ever — candid in interviews, unafraid to show emotion and ready to accept any fallout. That bluntness is part of his managerial fingerprint: clear instructions, firm standards and an insistence on responsibility.
It might rub some the wrong way, but it’s also helped build a team that responds well in Europe.
Tactically, Palace kept things simple and effective. They compacted the middle, tightened the space between defence and midfield, and waited for chances to counter-attack down the flanks.
Pressing was zonal and coordinated rather than frantic, denying Zrinjski easy routes through and leaving Palace poised to strike on the break. Substitutions were used with purpose — to refresh the legs, preserve defensive balance and maintain momentum.
The formation on display is a flexible 4-2-3-1 that can morph into a narrow 4-4-2 when hunting the ball. Wide midfielders tuck inside to overload the centre while full-backs stretch the play, creating a pattern that allows swift shifts from a low block to aggressive counter-pressing. That switch was especially effective after half-time, when Palace began forcing more turnovers and turning them into useful openings.
There are clear strengths to this approach: better set-piece routines, more defined defensive roles and improved protection against direct attacks. But the trade-offs are visible too. High full-backs leave space behind for quick wide breaks, and squeezing the central lanes occasionally sacrifices natural width and instantaneous counter speed. The midfield remains the fulcrum — finding the balance between winning possession and advancing it is the next puzzle for Glasner’s side.
Looking ahead, minor tactical tweaks should help tailor Palace to different opponents. Teams that play through a lone striker can struggle against Palace’s compact midfield; sides that stretch the pitch will force adjustments in full-back positioning and cover. Glasner has made it clear he will adapt patterns match by match, safeguarding the defensive spine while trying not to blunt forward thrust.
The European run arrives at a useful moment in an otherwise uneven season. Palace slid from fourth in the league in December to 13th, managing only three wins in 17 matches across competitions. February offered a respite — only one defeat in five matches — and the continental progress has done a lot to steady nerves. The immediate focus feels refreshingly pragmatic: recover well, prepare properly and treat the next fixture on its merits.
Defensive priorities have been explicit: reduce susceptibility to counterattacks while keeping creative passing alive in the final third. Practically, that means compact lines upon losing the ball, full-backs that avoid reckless advances without midfield cover, and attackers who know when to drop back and fill gaps. Coaches are pushing quicker decision-making and better spacing to close the lanes that previously invited danger.
Data and analytics are playing a more obvious role in match management. Recovery triggers, passing thresholds and timing for substitutions are increasingly informed by telemetry and event data, which helps staff make faster, more objective choices during moments of chaos. The caveat is familiar: over-dependence on numbers can slow instincts, so the staff must blend metrics with on-field judgment.
Selhurst Park itself felt alive — part of that comes down to leadership. Dean Henderson, potentially making his 100th appearance, urged the crowd to lift the team and set the tone before kickoff. His calm organisation at the back, communication during rapid transitions and in-game adjustments were a steadying influence throughout the night.
Oliver Glasner’s presence loomed as large off the pitch as the clean sheets did on it. He’s as forthright as ever — candid in interviews, unafraid to show emotion and ready to accept any fallout. That bluntness is part of his managerial fingerprint: clear instructions, firm standards and an insistence on responsibility. It might rub some the wrong way, but it’s also helped build a team that responds well in Europe.0
