Oliver Glasner's final match as Crystal Palace manager is set to arrive on one of the biggest nights in the club's history.
Palace travel to Leipzig for the UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, 27 May, with the opportunity to secure their first European trophy. Yet regardless of the result, the evening will also bring an emotional farewell, with Glasner preparing to officially leave Selhurst Park immediately afterwards.
The Austrian leaves having transformed Palace's trajectory in a relatively short period and delivering a period supporters could scarcely have imagined only a few seasons ago.
Why is Oliver Glasner leaving Crystal Palace?
The biggest reason behind Glasner’s departure appears to be exhaustion following an intense campaign and the personal sacrifices made throughout his time in England.
Crystal Palace’s season stretched into a demanding 59-match schedule across domestic and European competitions. The physical and mental demands of Premier League management, combined with deep cup runs, reportedly took a considerable toll.
Family considerations have also played a major role.
Glasner’s family have remained in Austria during his period in England and he admitted he now wants to prioritise spending time with them.
“I will go home and have a rest on my terrace and enjoy my family. When you have this schedule, it’s for me now also giving them time back.” — Oliver Glasner
The comments suggest his decision is being driven more by personal balance than by an immediate desire for another managerial challenge.
Tensions behind the scenes may also have contributed
While family reasons appear central, reports suggest there were also difficult moments internally during the season.
January reportedly created friction between Glasner and the club hierarchy after captain Marc Guehi's sale to Manchester City. The Palace manager was said to have felt disappointed with the club's handling of the situation during a crucial stage of the campaign.
Having followed Palace during recent months, Glasner repeatedly projected unity publicly, but losing key players during a demanding season can inevitably place strain on relationships behind the scenes.
However, it remains too early to suggest that boardroom disagreements alone forced the decision.
Glasner leaves behind a remarkable Crystal Palace legacy
The achievements during his spell make his exit feel even more significant.
| Oliver Glasner achievements | Crystal Palace |
|---|---|
| FA Cup titles | 1 |
| Community Shields | 1 |
| European finals reached | 1 |
| Major trophies won | 2 |
source: club competition records – 27 May 2026
Winning the FA Cup and Community Shield brought the club the first major honours in its history, while a Conference League final appearance further elevated his standing among supporters.
Key Points
- Oliver Glasner will leave Crystal Palace after the Conference League final
- Family reasons and exhaustion are central to his decision
- Palace played 59 matches this season
- Internal tension reportedly emerged over transfer decisions
- Glasner currently has no immediate plans for another job
What's next
Attention now turns to Crystal Palace's succession plans. Reports have linked Bournemouth's departing manager Andoni Iraola with the role, while Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna have also emerged as possible candidates.
Glasner himself is expected to take a complete break from management before deciding on his next move. Given his record across Germany and England, interest from major clubs would be expected once he decides to return.
Who should Crystal Palace target as the next manager after Glasner?
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