Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has expressed confidence in his side’s chances of victory as they prepare for Wednesday’s Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano.
The Eagles head to the Red Bull Arena for their first-ever European final, hoping to win continue their remarkable run over the past year.
Glasner also guided Crystal Palace to victory in the FA Cup last season, marking their first major trophy and they won the FA Community Shield earlier in the season.
Speaking ahead of the clash, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss who won the Europa League with the German club in 2022, believes his side are capable of success.
“I would always feel I had failed if the team had dropped off (after his announcement), because I told them ‘you don’t need to play for a manager”, Glasner said.
“It would be a perfect ending. When you watch a movie, when you read a book, you always hope that there is a happy ending.
“To end this more than two-year journey with another trophy, with the first European trophy in Crystal Palace’s history, that would be incredible.”
Glasner is set to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season, but would etch his name further in the club’s history if they win the Conference League.
However, he warned his side against complacency and underestimating their opponents.
“All four teams that play the semi-finals deserve to play the final because they have done so well in the competition, and Vallecano are the same,” Glasner added.
“(Rayo are) very quick, playing in transition, with quick wingers, always able to score goals. They don’t concede many.”
The winner of the Conference League final will qualify automatically for next season’s UEFA Europa League, giving Crystal Palace another chance to play in Europe next season.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
