Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confessed that the reality of his departure this summer has yet to fully sink in, following a triumphant European campaign that culminated in a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final in Leipzig. The win secured the club's third trophy in a year and provided a fitting conclusion to Glasner's remarkable tenure.
Glasner Reflects on Final Match
"Right now, I can't even believe this was the last game," Glasner said. "I took this decision; it's a good chapter in the Crystal Palace book. Other managers will follow. It's a one-year delay in getting into the Europa League, but the players get what they deserve. Sometimes you need to take the long round-trip, but now Crystal Palace is where they should be." He added, "It means a lot. I say thank you to the players because they always trusted in me and believed what I told them."
Wharton Vows to Make Up for Lost Celebrations
Midfielder Adam Wharton, who missed last year's FA Cup celebrations due to a concussion that required hospitalisation, pledged to fully embrace the festivities this time around. "I missed out on the FA Cup celebrations, so I am definitely going to make up for it this year," Wharton said. "It's going to be big. I've got two celebrations to catch up on. I've got doping, but hopefully I can get that done quickly and get on the beers and alcohol." Reflecting on Glasner's impact, Wharton added: "First European competition for Palace, and we won it. He's got to be one of the best managers Palace have ever had. He has completely changed the way the club looks at competitions."
Mateta Leads Celebrations
Goal scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta, who nearly left the club in January, spearheaded the celebrations. "I feel fantastic! I feel fantastic! We did it! First time in Europe, we did it! Now I just want to celebrate, I just want to party," Mateta exclaimed. "It's incredible. We did everything. I told you about the intensity we're going to put. I'm tired right now. I gave everything." He also acknowledged the fans: "I'm always with them. They support me as a player a lot, and as a team. They're always behind us and we did that for them too."
