Crystal Palace captain, Joel Ward, has expressed his confidence in newly appointed manager Oliver Glasner, stating that he believes Glasner has the ability to unlock the potential in the squad and guide the club to greater heights. The announcement of Glasner’s appointment came following the confirmation of Roy Hodgson’s decision to step down from his position due to health issues.
Glasner, who previously managed Eintracht Frankfurt and led them to a Europa League victory in 2022, has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with Crystal Palace. He was present at Monday night’s match against Everton, accompanied by chairman Steve Parish and director of football Dougie Freedman. The swift appointment of Glasner reflects the club’s determination to avoid being drawn into a relegation battle.
The team’s captain, Ward, emphasized the anticipation surrounding Glasner’s arrival, highlighting the expectation that his progressive approach to football will bring out the best in the players, particularly talents such as Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze. Ward expressed his confidence in the new manager’s ability to lead the team in the right direction, stating, “Having him at the helm now, he will want to kick on and start taking this club to where we know it can go. You always know when a new manager comes in you get that lift you get, that bounce, that rally.”
Glasner is now in the process of finalizing his backroom team, with expectations of bringing in his assistant, Michael Angerschmid. The former manager, Roy Hodgson, was praised by the team’s players, with Jordan Ayew acknowledging Hodgson’s significant influence on his career and character. Ayew described Hodgson as a “father-figure” and expressed gratitude for the impact the former manager had on his development as a player and a person.
The article underscores the optimism within Crystal Palace as they look ahead to a new era under the guidance of Oliver Glasner. The team’s anticipation of a fresh approach and the potential for a positive impact on their performance is palpable, setting the stage for a revitalized chapter in the club’s journey.
