Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted his recent interviews “haven’t been helpful” but says they can still enjoy another memorable season after progressing to the Conference League last 16.
Glasner has come in for criticism from Palace fans for his recent outbursts questioning the club’s decision making and supporters venting their frustration at recent results, with suggestions he could leave before his planned exit at the end of the campaign.
But despite growing doubts over his immediate future, Glasner says he has “100% assurance” over his situation and is looking ahead to achieving more glory after a 2-0 win over Zrinjski Mostar secured their place in the last 16 in Europe.
Speaking to TNT Sports, the Eagles boss said: “100% assurance. If the players believe in me and the staff, that’s the most important thing. Otherwise, you can pack your suitcase and go home because the players have to perform on the pitch.
“We have a great togetherness in the group – players, staff, really positive. The same with the sporting director and the chairman.
“They are sometimes wondering: ‘Hey, this is the second best Premier League season ever. The best was last year. So maybe the best two years in Crystal Palace’s history, playing European football for the first time – and there is so much noise?’ Sometimes we really don’t understand it.
“Maybe I gave some interviews that weren’t really helpful, I have to admit. But on the other side, I always say what I feel. Sometimes it’s positive, sometimes it’s not so positive. But that’s who I am.
“In the end, we are in a good position in the league and Conference League and so it’s up to us to get a result and make a real good season of it.”
Glasner felt the wrath of travelling Palace fans last week in Bosnia but the manager maintains that he has a strong relationship with supporters and urged them to get behind the team in the coming weeks.
He added: “We always said – since day number one – we’ve had a great relationship with the fans. They are always supporting us. Yes, they were a little bit critical but this can be.
“They can be critical when the results and performances are not that well. But I think overall, we are now in a good position in the Premier League and the last 16 of the Conference League – playing European football for the first time.
“I think now we can work on our consistency, integrating new players and having good impact. I think we are on track.
“In three days we go to Old Trafford. We don’t just go there for a holiday to Manchester but hopefully to win.”
