News Focus
- Oliver Glasner reveals plans to visit Basque Country to study successful Spanish coaching methods
- Crystal Palace boss preparing for final match in charge against Rayo Vallecano in UEFA Conference League final
- Midfielder Adam Wharton and defender Chris Richards train despite injury doubts ahead of Wednesday’s clash
- Austrian coach insists Eagles are relaxed after completing tactical preparations last week
- Glasner defends earlier disagreements with squad as necessary for winning trophies
Oliver Glasner will travel to the Basque Country this summer to investigate why so many top coaches come from this region. The Crystal Palace boss revealed his plans while speaking before his final match in charge against Rayo Vallecano.
The Austrian will guide the Eagles into their first ever European final on Wednesday evening. This UEFA Conference League showdown in Bilbao represents his last game at Selhurst Park. During his time in London, Glasner has lifted both the FA Cup and the Community Shield.
The departing manager hopes to add the Conference League trophy to his collection. He praised the commitment shown by his squad and backroom staff across the campaign. “When you see the effort from everyone this season, winning would mean so much,” he stated. “It would create a fantastic ending. However, this is football and sport. You cannot predict what will happen. We must simply enjoy the experience.”
Glasner maintains a calm approach towards the historic fixture. He confirmed that his team finished their tactical preparation during the previous week. The coaching staff screened videos of their Spanish opponents for the players. They studied how Vallecano operate with various defensive formations.
“We cannot complete any new preparation tomorrow,” Glasner explained. “We began our tactical meetings seven days ago. The players watched footage of Vallecano using three or four defenders at the back. We examined their style with high possession and low possession.”
The 50-year-old wants his squad to remain relaxed before the late kick-off at 21:00 local time. He particularly enjoys observing the players during head tennis sessions. “They play like children. It brings me great joy,” he said. “These moments show the unity within the group. I hope they are smiling tomorrow rather than being nervous and quiet. When they express themselves freely, we maximise our chances.”
Reporters questioned Glasner about the Basque coaching phenomenon producing figures like Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta, Andoni Iraola and Inigo Perez. The Palace boss responded with humour: “I will visit this summer to discover their methods. I want to know what food they eat. The region clearly produces something special.”
Two important Palace stars face fitness tests before the final. Midfielder Adam Wharton and defender Chris Richards both carried injury worries into the week. Nevertheless, both men completed the full training session on Tuesday morning. Glasner explained that the medical team will monitor them constantly.
“It is positive that both players completed training today,” he noted. “There are 36 hours between now and kick-off. The medical department will work late into the night and return early tomorrow. I will only pick athletes who are completely fit. If doubts remain, I will select another player for the starting eleven.”
Earlier this season, speculation suggested Glasner might exit before the campaign concluded. The manager defended the difficult periods by explaining that conflict drives success. He actually encourages players to question his decisions.
“December and January presented challenges,” he admitted. “But we needed to secure our league status and concentrate on Europe. External noise exceeded internal problems. If athletes simply agree with everything, you cannot develop. When players challenge my ideas, it forces me to improve. This process brings trophies.”
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson joked that he would never disagree with the Austrian. The general atmosphere inside the camp appears positive and stress-free. Palace secured their Premier League safety early, allowing full focus on continental glory.