Schalke manager Oliver Glasner was euphoric after Crystal Palace’s victory in the semi-finals, sending them through to the final of the tournament this week. Coco telling the world that his warrior monks didn’t just bend but never broke, even after their master plan unraveled late. Even as he praised their performance, he was still modest about their prospects for the final, which is scheduled for May 17th.
Following the victory, Glasner took a moment to reflect on the game, praising his players for their execution of the strategies laid out for them. He knew that discussing strategy was the easy part. Translating those ideas into effective action on the pitch is a far more daunting task.
“Easy to talk about but difficult to execute. All the credit to the players. Great to see today, even after the penalty. We had situations to overcome but didn’t lose our head. Today we stayed calm and always stuck to the plan. We got the reward. An amazing performance.” – Oliver Glasner
Team Preparation Underway
Under Glasner’s direction, that team has reached impressive heights. He declined to talk about their chances for the final, saying this wasn’t the time to be talking about that stuff. Rather, he cautioned against losing sight of the bigger picture and the need to focus on the long term and prepare for the challenges ahead. The players will have a chance to fully bask in their victory before returning here on Thursday to start planning their next move.
“I don’t know at the moment and don’t want to talk about the final today. We have the approach to win it. The players can party tonight, they have a few days off. We will meet on Thursday and then we will prepare.” – Oliver Glasner
Glasner’s remarks highlight a balanced approach to coaching, where he places significant emphasis on his team’s collective effort rather than solely on his tactical decisions.
Acknowledging Past Challenges
Semi-final reminders – Palace’s manager looked back to last season’s Conference League semi-final loss. This memory serves as the team’s motivation. It drives them on as they look to be crowned the best of the best.
Glasner’s admission of his side’s lack of defensive discipline is refreshing, particularly in tense moments such as the last few Bundesliga matches. He noted how the players maintained composure despite facing setbacks, such as conceding a penalty, which could have derailed their focus.
As Crystal Palace prepare for the biggest game of their club’s history, it’s Glasner’s guidance that makes him stand out. He honors the work his players have put in and is committed to be better every day. His remarks exude an enviable mix of ambition and realism as they look to the horizon where challenging opportunities await.
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