Oliver Glasner arrived in south London in February last year with a Europa League winners medal and an analytical mind, yet even he admits the speed of Crystal Palace’s climb has surprised him. Palace have now booked a first FA Cup final since 2016 under his guidance.
The Austrian’s tenure began with a three nil win over Burnley, but the shock success at Anfield two months later convinced sceptics he could outthink elite opponents. From that moment the squad embraced a proactive identity built on smart pressing.
Glasner’s reputation for meticulous preparation surfaced again before the semi final when a training-camp video revealed him telling players that Wembley would be theirs if they trusted the plan. The confidence proved prophetic.
Against Aston Villa the Eagles executed that script perfectly, blocking central lanes, springing rapid transitions, and allowing Eberechi Eze and Ismaïla Sarr to settle the contest with three spectacular finishes. Villa managed only one shot on target.
Glasner credited the recruitment of Adam Wharton, Maxence Lacroix, and Daichi Kamada as pivotal, noting that their intelligence lets Palace switch shapes without losing tempo. Such versatility will be vital against Manchester City’s fluid midfield.
Union between coach and crowd was clear when a smiling Glasner saluted every stand at full time, urging supporters to keep faith for one more hurdle on 17 May. His understated conviction has given Selhurst Park its loudest heartbeat in years.
