Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has delivered a far more optimistic assessment of his squad’s readiness for the new season, saying the players are “100% committed” and that the club feels “better prepared than last year”.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Sky Austria, Glasner admitted his tone has shifted compared to a week ago — when he had voiced concerns about a quiet transfer window.
The Austrian coach will lead Palace into the Community Shield vs Liverpool this weekend, following last season’s shock FA Cup triumph, and then straight into the Premier League opener against Chelsea.
Why Glasner Feels More Positive This Week
Despite a shorter pre-season due to their Wembley curtain-raiser, Glasner is now encouraged by the training ground atmosphere and how his players are handling transfer speculation.
“The players are totally focused, even with all the noise around a few of them. They’re giving 100% in training and are fully committed to the club and our style of football,” said Glasner. — Sky Austria
He also added that while the transfer window remains open, he’s going into the season with a strong sense of unity and readiness.
Last Season’s Slow Start a Warning Sign
Crystal Palace took eight games to record their first league win last season, beating Spurs 1–0 in late October. At one point, the club dropped to 19th in the table, before rallying to finish 11th and lifting the FA Cup.
Glasner is determined to avoid a similar slump and believes a more settled squad, combined with a clearer identity, gives Palace a stronger platform to build from this time around.
Palace’s Tough Opening Fixtures
The Eagles will face Liverpool at Wembley and then Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the opening week — two of the biggest spenders in the league and heavy favourites for silverware.
Glasner acknowledged the challenge, but sees it as an opportunity:
“There are worse season openers than this. To play the champions in a sold-out Wembley as FA Cup winners — that’s a fantastic experience.”
Analyst Verdict
Oliver Glasner's change in tone is telling — a week ago, his frustration with the transfer market was palpable. Now, he's clearly more satisfied with the squad’s internal mentality and tactical clarity.
What’s most promising for Palace is the consistency of message: unity, intensity in training, and full buy-in from players despite noise around potential exits.
Tough early fixtures might expose gaps, but if Palace avoid a repeat of last year’s poor start, this could be their strongest season under Glasner yet — especially with European football on the horizon.
Key Insights
- Oliver Glasner now “very confident” ahead of new season
- Players showing 100% commitment in training despite speculation
- Palace face Liverpool (Community Shield) and Chelsea in opening fixtures
- Glasner: “We feel better prepared than last year”
- CAS appeal decision pending over Europa League reinstatement
What’s Next?
Crystal Palace will finalise preparations for Sunday’s Community Shield vs Liverpool at Wembley.
Transfer activity may still unfold in the background, but Glasner appears content with the current squad — for now.
Palace also await a CAS verdict next week that could determine whether they’re reinstated in the Europa League or remain in the Conference League.
Can Palace start strong this season — or will Liverpool and Chelsea prove too much too soon?
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