Can Departing Glasner Guide Crystal Palace to European Glory?

Written By Gareth Hinton | Published at May 26, 2026

KRAKOW, POLAND - 30 APRIL, 2026: Players of Crystal Palace pose for a group photo seen during the UEFA Conference League semifinal match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace FC at Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium.

Crystal Palace take on Rayo Vallecano in the 2026 UEFA Conference League final at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on Wednesday night.

The Eagles are gunning for their first European trophy in what will be Oliver Glasner’s final game in charge.

Can the Eagles Make History?

Glasner is already among Palace’s greatest managers of all time, having led the London side to the FA Cup, the club’s first-ever major trophy.

Due to multi-club ownership rules, Palace were demoted from the UEFA Europa League to the Conference League, which has probably suited them in the long run.

Palace have been one of the tournament favourites throughout the entire competition, and Glasner’s side are now just one win away from winning European silverware.

The South London club surprisingly missed out on the top eight in the league phase, needing a play-off before reaching the Round of 16. Palace collected ten points after winning three, losing two, and drawing one.

The Premier League side booked their place in the final after seeing off Zrinjski Mostar, AEK Larnaca, Fiorentina, and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Can Glasner Sign Off in Style?

Despite Glasner announcing his end-of-season departure in January, Palace have got on with the task at hand, reaching the Conference League final and finishing 15th in the Premier League.

Since joining, Glasner has guided the club to record Premier League points tallies and their first major trophy. He followed that up with a Community Shield victory over Liverpool last summer.

Whoever comes in to replace Glasner at Selhurst Park has big boots to fill. However, the Crystal Palace hierarchy have a habit of making the right appointments, as the club have been ever-present in the Premier League since winning promotion in 2013.

Going by the latest football odds, Palace are the bookies’ favourites to win the Conference League. Vallecano will be formidable opponents in Leipzig, but the English club are optimistic about their chances of winning more silverware.