Crystal Palace: Can Oliver Glasner Sustain the 'Glad All Over' Spirit in 2024/25?

Crystal Palace's Renewed Energy Under Oliver Glasner

When Crystal Palace are at their best, Selhurst Park becomes an electric atmosphere filled with joy. The stands resonate with "Glad All Over"—the anthem sung by devoted fans pledging allegiance to the Eagles. In the closing months of the 2023/24 season, this became a commonplace occurrence, marking a refreshing break from previous uncertainties.

A Change of Direction

Fans grew increasingly disillusioned with the club's direction under Roy Hodgson, especially as Palace lingered close to relegation peril. Despite boasting a roster filled with bright young talent, the team lacked the creative attack that defines their gameplay. The arrival of Austrian Oliver Glasner as Hodgson's successor brought a wave of optimism. Renowned as a tactical mastermind, Glasner was believed to be the right fit for unlocking the team's potential.

Performances Shift Under Glasner

After a brief adjustment period, Glasner transformed the squad's dynamics, leading to an impressive unbeaten streak in their last seven matches—winning six of those games, including vital victories over top teams like Liverpool and Manchester United. In his inaugural 13 Premier League matches as manager, Glasner’s Palace recorded only three losses, showcasing significant improvement in their gameplay. Compared to the previous 25 matches under Hodgson, Palace scored more goals, created more chances, and maintained a similar number of clean sheets while conceding just four goals.

Jean-Philippe Mateta's Resurgence

Among the players significantly benefiting from Glasner's strategies is striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Following the change of managerial hands, Mateta flourished, scoring more league goals in his first 13 games under Glasner compared to his performance over a whole season under Hodgson or Vieira. His impressive form continued during the summer, notably at the 2024 Olympics where he contributed five goals, showcasing the confidence boost provided by Glasner's leadership.

Looking Ahead: Transfer Window Challenges

As the Eagles anticipated a summer of change, they faced challenges with star players linked to potential exits. Michael Olise has already left for Bayern Munich for €50.8 million, raising concerns about depth in creative positions that previously supported Palace's attacking flair. Glasner now confronts the task of filling these voids while ensuring a robust squad for the new season.

Pivotal Player Departures

Aside from Olise, the future of key players like Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi remains uncertain. Guehi had limited appearances under Glasner due to injury, and with Newcastle and Liverpool showing interest, Palace is at risk of losing multiple crucial players. Additionally, Jordan Ayew's name has come up in transfer discussions, especially with the recent acquisition of Ismaila Sarr, designed to enhance the team's attacking options.

Glasner’s Strategy Moving Forward

Utilizing a youthful and vibrant roster has been a hallmark of Crystal Palace's strategy. New signings, such as Adam Wharton—now a key component of the squad—highlight the club's commitment to fostering talent. Despite the loss of prominent players, Glasner will rely on the existing squad members to perform and uphold the potent game plan that emerged at the season's close.

Setting Expectations for the 2024/25 Season

With cautious optimism, fans are eager to see if the "Glad All Over" spirit continues in the new season. Glasner has signaled his potential to adapt to Premier League challenges and elevate the Eagles' performance. Maintaining league status should not be a point of concern; instead, fans might hope for deeper cup runs, given the club's recent successes.

The Season Opener

The Eagles’ journey begins as they head to Brentford to kick off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign, live on Sky Sports. Fans and players alike are eager to see if the groundwork laid by Glasner can translate into further victories and solidify Crystal Palace as a competitive force in the league.