Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has bemoaned the failure of the club’s hierarchy to invest suitably in the squad as they embarked on a European campaign – placing more demands on their players
Oliver Glasner accused the Palace board of failing to invest in his squad before their first European campaign after slumping to defeat against Manchester United.
And the Austrian’s clear frustration increases the chances of him leaving the FA Cup holders in the summer when his contract expires. The Eagles became the first Premier League team to benefit from the new “double-touch” penalty rule when Jean Philippe-Mateta was allowed to retake and score a second spot kick
But Glasner’s exhausted side, who lost in the UEFA Conference League at Strasbourg on Thursday night, conceded two setpiece goals in the second half. Palace have failed to win any of their four Premier League matches following UEFA Conference League group games this season.
And Ismaila Sarr, who is going on Senegal duty in the African Cup of Nations later this month (Dec), was subbed off with a “swollen ankle”.
Asked if the FA Cup holders are lacking from a lack of squad depth, Glasner said: “Yes, I think it’s just the issue of I never talked about it to be honest. And today it’s just time because I want to protect the players because I know how hard they are working and giving everything. It was our 22nd game.
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“They were physically better. It’s clearly our fault. We missed to strengthen the depth of the squad in the summer and we knew the schedule. We knew that Ismaila would go to the Afcon but nothing happened. It’s the first time in your history that you play European football.
“So let’s invest instead of saving. We saved and that’s what we’re facing. No blame for the players because they gave everything, they leave their hearts on the pitch. But their legs don’t do what your head wants them to do.
Glasner added: “I would have wished for a little bit more backing, yes. I think in January we just correct what we failed to do in the summer. By by January, we have played 60/65% of the season. Let’s see.”
Mateta scored with his first spot kick at Selhurst Park but a VAR review spotted his standing leg also touched the ball. In previous seasons, the goal would simply have been disallowed. This happened in a dramatic Champions League penalty shootout between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in March when ex-Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez slipped and touched the ball twice while scoring past former Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois. The rule was changed this season to allow a re-take for an accidental double touch if the penalty taker scores.
Asked about the rule change, Glasner said: “I had no idea. But the fourth official told us. So we were lucky today. Do I think it is a good rule change? I don’t care, honestly.”
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