I took a deep breath': Oliver Glasner emotional after perfect Crystal Palace send-off

Oliver Glasner ended his Crystal Palace managerial spell by winning the Conference League, prompting celebrations in Leipzig and at Selhurst Park where supporters invaded the pitch after the final whistle. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored in the second half, giving Glasner three trophies in 12 months following last year’s FA Cup and Community Shield wins. Glasner praised the players for their trust and hard work, describing himself as a servant who provides direction. He said he has no regrets about departing, pointing to earlier moments when fans supported the team during difficult periods. He also thanked supporters for messages expressing gratitude for the best day of their lives. Adam Wharton was named man of the match after being a major doubt to start against Rayo Vallecano.

"Oliver Glasner paid tribute to Crystal Palace's players as he signed off as manager by winning the Conference League and insisted he has no regrets about his decision to depart despite making history in south London. Jean-Philippe Mateta's goal in the second half means Glasner has now won three trophies in the space of 12 months after last year's triumphs in the FA Cup and Community Shield. There were wild celebrations in Leipzig as the Austrian performed a full length slide on the pitch, while thousands of supporters who were watching the game on a big screen at Selhurst Park invaded the pitch."

"I took a deep breath with the final whistle, admitted an emotional Glasner, who said he was no David Copperfield when he was appointed to replace Roy Hodgson in February 2024. I just supported this group of players I could be the best magician but without the players it wouldn't work, The players deserve all the credit because they have to trust me and work very hard. They will all tell you I'm very demanding. But they know I want the best for everyone."

"As soon as everyone understood that we created a fantastic spirit and the supporters now have what they deserve with a spot in the Europa League. But asked whether he may reconsider his decisions to depart, he added: No. I remember you asked me once, it was at the academy, when the fans prepared the banner, when we were struggling a little bit. And now it's the same. I see myself as a servant for the players, as a servant for the club and then somebody who gives the direction."

"I told the players today in the meeting when we were in the hotel, because I got many messages from fans where they said: Thank you for the best day of my life,' and I really appreciate it. And I told the players exactly the same. So I have to say thank you to the players, I have to say thank you to the supporters, because it's the same. Adam Wharton was named man of the match despite admitting he had been a major doubt to start against Rayo Vallecano"

Read at www.theguardian.com