EPL: Glasner says Crystal Palace hierarchy have abandoned squad
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has claimed his squad has been “abandoned completely” by the club’s hierarchy, intensifying criticism of the club’s direction ahead of his departure at the end of the season.
The 51-year-old confirmed on Friday that he will leave Selhurst Park when his contract expires, initially insisting his decision was unrelated to transfer activity, despite captain Marc Guehi being on the verge of a £20m move to Manchester City.
Sale of Guehi sparks public frustration
Following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Sunderland, Glasner made his strongest comments yet, openly questioning the timing and logic behind allowing Guehi to leave.
“I feel we are being abandoned completely,” Glasner told BBC Match of the Day. “The worst thing is selling our captain one day before playing a Premier League game. I have no understanding of this.”
He stressed that the situation has been brewing for months, highlighting the lack of reinforcements to offset departures and the strain it has placed on a thin squad.
Thin squad and lack of backing exposed
Glasner revealed Palace are operating with just 12 or 13 senior players available, leaving him with limited tactical options and a bench dominated by youth players.
“I can’t blame any player. They did everything they could,” he said. “I look at the bench, I can’t react. This didn’t happen yesterday, it’s been weeks.”
The Austrian also referenced the summer sale of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, describing it as another blow that destabilised the team on the eve of competitive fixtures.
Commitment to players despite decision to leave
Despite the growing frustration, Glasner ruled out walking away before the season ends, insisting he will see the campaign through out of respect for his players.
“I would never leave now. No chance,” he said. “If we don’t get support, it’s us that have to do it. There is nobody else.”
Glasner departs having delivered Palace’s first major trophy with their FA Cup triumph last May, but his final months appear set to be defined by tension between the coaching staff and the club’s leadership.
