Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is facing mounting pressure as his team languishes in the relegation zone after a disastrous start to the 2024-25 Premier League season. Monday’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, marking their eighth consecutive league game without a win, has left Palace in a precarious position, and Glasner’s future at the club is now in jeopardy. With Palace failing to secure a single victory in their opening eight games, questions are being raised about Glasner’s tactical approach, his use of key players, and the overall direction of the team.
A Struggling Start for Glasner at Crystal Palace
When Oliver Glasner was appointed as Crystal Palace manager in February 2024, there was optimism that the Austrian coach could bring fresh energy to a side that had struggled under Roy Hodgson. Glasner arrived with a reputation for tactical acumen, having guided Eintracht Frankfurt to success in the Europa League. His appointment was seen as a signal of Palace’s intent to progress and secure a mid-table finish in the Premier League.
However, after an encouraging start, things have gone downhill for Glasner and his team. Palace’s poor run in the early stages of the current campaign has equaled the club’s worst-ever Premier League start, with no wins in their first eight games. Palace currently sits 18th in the table, five points behind 16th-placed Everton, and their tally of just five goals this season makes them the league’s lowest scorers.
The defeat against Nottingham Forest was particularly concerning. A mistake from Dean Henderson allowed Chris Wood to score the only goal of the game, leaving Palace without answers and their fans increasingly frustrated. While Glasner has stressed the need to keep morale high and has urged his players to remain positive, it’s clear that time is running out for him to turn things around.
Key Fixtures Could Define Glasner’s Future
Glasner’s future at Selhurst Park now hangs in the balance as the club’s next four fixtures are expected to determine his fate. Steve Parish, Crystal Palace’s chairman, was present at the City Ground during the Nottingham Forest defeat and is reportedly still backing Glasner to turn things around. However, it’s understood that a lack of improvement in the coming games could force the club to consider managerial changes.
Palace’s next four matches will be critical. They face Tottenham Hotspur at home on Sunday, followed by a Carabao Cup tie against Aston Villa in midweek. They will then travel to face Wolves, who are currently bottom of the Premier League, before hosting Fulham at Selhurst Park on November 9. These fixtures present both a challenge and an opportunity for Glasner. Securing positive results could provide the boost needed to lift Palace out of their slump. However, continued failure could seal his fate.
Tactical Concerns and Squad Utilization Under Glasner
One of the main criticisms leveled at Glasner has been his tactical inflexibility. The Austrian coach has relied heavily on a 3-4-2-1 formation, which has been criticized for failing to bring the best out of the squad. Palace’s new signing, Daichi Kamada, who joined the club on a free transfer and became the highest-paid player in the team, has struggled to replicate his success under Glasner at Eintracht Frankfurt. Kamada was expected to fill the void left by the departure of Michael Olise, who joined Bayern Munich in the summer, but so far, the Japanese midfielder has failed to make a significant impact.
Palace’s attacking output has been poor, with the team managing just five goals in eight games. Despite having creative players like Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah, the Eagles have lacked cutting edge in the final third, and the decision-making in attacking situations has been a key factor in their struggles. Glasner himself admitted that his players are lacking confidence, particularly in the final third, where they have consistently made the wrong decisions.
“We’re always thinking about solutions. Maybe it is to change the shape—we need more players on the pitch who can score goals,” Glasner said following the Forest defeat. He acknowledged that the team’s struggles are down to a loss of confidence and poor decision-making, but he remains hopeful that with the right adjustments, the team can regain form.
The Future of Crystal Palace and Potential Managerial Changes
If results don’t improve in the coming weeks, Crystal Palace could be forced to explore alternative managerial options. Reports have already suggested that the club is considering potential replacements for Glasner. Among the leading candidates are Graham Potter, who previously managed Brighton and was linked to the Palace job earlier this year, and David Moyes, who is currently out of work after leaving West Ham United. Additionally, Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has been mentioned as a potential target, though his availability remains uncertain.
Potter, in particular, would bring Premier League experience and a tactical approach that aligns with Palace’s desire for progressive football. However, any potential replacement will need to address the current squad’s shortcomings and implement changes quickly to avoid a relegation battle.
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Squad Fitness and Key Player Concerns
In addition to tactical issues, Glasner has also had to contend with injury concerns. One of the key players, Adam Wharton, has been struggling with a persistent groin injury. Wharton, who was an unused substitute in the Forest game after starting Palace’s last 22 matches, may need surgery to resolve the issue. Glasner admitted that a decision would need to be made soon regarding Wharton’s fitness, as his absence could be a significant blow to the team’s midfield.
“We are talking with him, and if we have to do it, we will find the right moment. But it’s clear we need him, and he’s important for the team,” Glasner said. The potential loss of Wharton could further complicate Glasner’s efforts to stabilize Palace’s form.
A Defining Period for Glasner and Crystal Palace
As Crystal Palace heads into a crucial run of fixtures, Oliver Glasner faces the challenge of saving his job and reversing the club’s poor start to the season. While the Austrian manager remains confident that his team can turn things around, the pressure is mounting, and failure to secure positive results in the next four games could lead to significant changes at Selhurst Park.
With Tottenham, Aston Villa, Wolves, and Fulham all looming on the horizon, Glasner’s tactical adjustments, squad management, and ability to restore confidence in his players will be put to the test. The outcome of these matches will likely determine whether Glasner continues as Palace manager or if the club moves in a new direction.
