Oliver Glasner, the manager of Crystal Palace, has openly criticized the club’s transfer decisions during the summer window, stating that they “could have done better.” As the Eagles prepare to face Tottenham at Selhurst Park in search of their first Premier League win of the season, Glasner’s comments highlight the challenges the team is currently facing.
Transfer Window Disappointment
Glasner expressed his frustration over the lackluster transfer activities that left the squad short-handed. With Crystal Palace still winless in the league, the pressure is mounting on the Austrian coach. He emphasized that while he takes responsibility for the team’s performance, the club’s decision-makers also need to improve their approach.
“We could have done better in the transfer window. Signing four players on deadline day isn’t ideal,” Glasner noted. “We shouldn’t have waited until the last minute, especially when the season had already begun.”
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The manager’s remarks underline the importance of pre-season preparations. He pointed out that bringing in players so late in the window hampers their ability to integrate with the team and adapt to the manager’s tactics.
Need for Realism
After last season’s impressive 10th-place finish, Glasner believes a more realistic outlook is necessary this year. Despite high aspirations, he reminded fans and stakeholders of the financial disparity that exists among Premier League clubs. “To improve, we need to surpass teams like West Ham, Manchester United, and Newcastle, who are investing heavily,” he said. “Meanwhile, we’ve saved £20 million net this summer.”
Glasner reflected on the positive end to last season, where several players represented their countries in prestigious tournaments. However, he acknowledged that the team’s current form is disappointing and may have clouded their sense of realism regarding their expectations for this season.
Adam Wharton’s Fitness Concerns
In addition to addressing the transfer window, Glasner spoke about the ongoing fitness issues facing Adam Wharton. The young midfielder is struggling with a groin problem, and the manager is cautious about rushing him into surgery. A decision regarding Wharton’s potential operation will be made after the upcoming matches against Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Wolverhampton.
“We want to ensure that surgery is absolutely necessary before proceeding,” Glasner explained. “Adam is only 20, and we have a responsibility to manage his health carefully.”
