Oliver Glasner has faced scrutiny from Crystal Palace fans for his approach to team rotation this season. Players like Christantus Uche and Romain Esse have seen limited playing time, contributing to concerns over player fatigue. With injuries and form fluctuations common in football, Glasner’s strategy of maintaining a consistent starting lineup raises questions about squad management.
Glasner Addresses Crystal Palace Fan Concerns
During a recent press conference ahead of the match against AEK Larnaca, Glasner elaborated on his reluctance to rotate players. He referenced the Carabao Cup match against Millwall in September as a cautionary tale. Crystal Palace struggled during that game, and Glasner noted how poor performances can arise from making too many changes at once.
Lessons from the Millwall Match
In the Carabao Cup encounter, Palace was fortunate not to be trailing at halftime due to missed chances from Millwall. This disappointing display demonstrated the risks of altering the lineup significantly.
- Millwall Match Performance: Poor display with missed opportunities.
- Glasner’s Concern: Frequent changes disrupt team chemistry.
- Key Players Discussed: Uche, Eddie Nketiah, Will Hughes, Jeff Lerma, Jaydee Canvot, Esse, Justin Devenny.
Glasner emphasized that while every player deserves minutes, winning the game is paramount. He stated, “Sometimes, if you change eight or nine positions at once, it doesn’t work out because you never train together.” This highlights his commitment to maintaining consistency, especially before a challenging schedule of four matches in nine days.
Focus on Recovery and Analysis
As Crystal Palace approaches a congested fixture list, Glasner has changed training priorities. Emphasis has shifted to recovery and video analysis, making integration of fringe players more challenging. Despite the hurdles, he acknowledges the importance of squad depth, particularly when competing in multiple tournaments.
Dangers of Questioning the Coach
Fringe players may find frustration in their limited opportunities. However, Glasner’s management style is firm. For instance, Rob Holding questioned Glasner after an unused substitution in an August 2024 match against West Ham. This led to his demotion to the U21 team, underscoring the coach’s authority.
As the season progresses, balancing squad rotation and performance will remain critical for Glasner and Crystal Palace, especially as they strive for success across all competitions.
