Oliver Glasner was quick to quieten suggestions of a lack of confidence within his side, expressing there are far more things to worry about within the world, and that his Crystal Palace side would demonstrate the ability they possess in due course as they prepare to face table topping Liverpool.
The Eagles manager also discussed team news, the strength of Liverpool and the quality of the fans at SE25 during his Friday press conference duties. Below are the main takeaways:
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Questions of Confidence
After a start to the season that has seen Palace muster only three points in six games, and failing to win any of their Premier League games in the new season, Glasner was quickly asked whether his sides' confidence has been affected but the Austrian manager was quick to dismiss such suggestions.
"I'm not worried about the confidence. I'm worried about other things in the world, like the election in Austria, right-wing populism is becoming a trend in the world, but the confidence is not something I'm worried about."
Palace have faced significant criticism but Glasner was quick to accept that it is a part of the modern football game, and that his side should not take anything on social media to heart, "This is football. This is social media. This is the world we live in. We have to accept this."
Whilst the Eagles have experienced a difficult start, Glasner remains optimistic that improvement is around the corner and Palace will begin to prosper, "We are not in the best shape, but what gives me confidence is that we are at the beginning of the season. Everyone is working hard to get into the best shape."
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Team News
Glasner confirmed that Trevoh Chalobah is close to being ready to start for Crystal Palace as the Chelsea loanee returns to full fitness after an abdominal injury, stating Chalobah "has had one more training week with us. Every training session is good for him to get to his best shape, and he has looked quite good this week
The Austrian manager continued, "He is coming closer to start and it’s good for us that we get more options, so let’s see what happens tomorrow.”
There was bad news for Matheus Franca however, with the young Brazilian attacker suffering another injury setback during his recovery.
“Unfortunately he is injured again,” confirmed Glasner, “It’s his abductor groin. It is a tough situation for him especially and for us. I don’t expect that he plays many games for us in 2024. We don’t know exactly how long it takes but it will take several weeks."
Cheick Doucoure and Chris Richards also remain out injured with a toe injury and hamstring strain respectively. Rob Holding will also remain away from the first team but Glasner did confirm there had been no fresh concerns.
“No one else is back, but no one else is out, so it is still the squad. Let’s see what happens during the international break.”
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The Loss of Michael Olise
Crystal Palace's talisman Michael Olise departed South London for German giants Bayern Munich for a reported £50 million after the Frenchman's release clause was activated.
With the Eagles suffering a dismal start, much has been made about the impact of losing Olise, but Glasner was quick to refute such claims and insists his focus is on those who remain at the club, and not those who have departed.
"He missed more than 50% of games from last season. It makes no sense talking about a player who is not here anymore. It's obvious with the goals and assists that he had a great influence on the Crystal Palace team before."
Glasner continued, "Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke also ha (a great influence). I don't know how far we can go back, but if we call Aaron Wan-Bissaka, he won't help us win tomorrow against Liverpool. The same will be for Michael. I don't think about it."
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The Strength of Liverpool
Palace defeated Liverpool last season under Glasner 1-0, which ignited a run of six wins in their final seven league games, but the Austrian manager was quick to point out that the result means nothing come Saturday lunchtime.
"It was a great win, but it's in the past. I've had in my career great wins, but winning at Barcelona doesn't count tomorrow, winning at Anfield four or five months ago doesn't count tomorrow, so we have to be ready tomorrow, and we will be ready."
Liverpool have enjoyed a blistering start to life under Arne Slot, winning eight out of the Dutchman's first nine games in charge of the Reds, with the only blemish a shock defeat against Nottingham Forest, and Glasner is under no illusions that it will not be easy for his Palace side to earn a resut, "Liverpool are doing quite well. Fantastic players, (and a) new manager who is doing a fantastic job."
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The Palace Fans
Glasner insisted that his side need the support of the fans at SE25 if they are to see an upturn in form, commending the supporters for their noise and backing in the side, confirming "absolutely we will need our fans."
Glasner continued, "As I said once Selhurst at its best, and we will need it tomorrow."
"In these situations. it's like in life: if you suffer, you need somebody, you need somebody who supports you."
