Crystal Palace will change head coach at the end of the season after Oliver Glasner confirmed a planned exit. The Austrian said the decision had been made months earlier, even as Palace continue their push in the Premier League and Europe and prepare for life without the coach who delivered last season’s FA Cup.
Glasner told reporters that Crystal Palace had known since October that the contract would not be renewed. The club will now manage a delicate transition, with major players moving on, European knockout games against Zrinjski Mostar ahead, and domestic form still under close scrutiny in England.
The press conference also covered major squad changes, with Marc Guehi close to joining Manchester City. Glasner confirmed the England defender
is finalising a transfer while striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has performed strongly under Glasner, is available to leave during the current transfer window if a suitable move appears.
Glasner said:A decision has already been taken, months ago. I had a meeting with Steve in October, the international break. We had a very long talk, and I told him I will not sign a new contract. We agreed at the time it was best to keep it between us. It's best that we could do that and keep it confidential for three months. I told the team today, because I think now it's important to have clarity. We had a very busy schedule so that's why we didn't want to talk about it. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace.
Glasner emphasised that the choice to leave Crystal Palace was independent of transfer activity, including Guehi’s exit. The coach is being linked with clubs such as Manchester United, yet insisted the immediate focus is trophies with Palace and improving on last season’s success before heading into a new role elsewhere.
I told Steve I'm just looking for a new challenge. I told him in October, it's nothing to do with the transfer window, Glasner added. I hate if something is written or said that is not true, and it was very tough for me not to respond. We have a great relationship, and we're always talking about what is best for Crystal Palace. I haven't spoken to any other club, I told the players that and promised them today I will give my best to give the best season in Crystal Palace history. We are now four points better off than we were at this stage of the season and we will do everything to bring another trophy back to Selhurst Park. We had the Conference League draw today, we will play Zrinjski Mostarfrom Bosnia in the play-off draw and I had a look at the draw tree, it'll be quite interesting who we could play in our section. I will do everything to help bring a trophy back to Selhurst Park.
| Crystal Palace competition | Opponent | Stage / context |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | Sunderland | Upcoming away match on Saturday |
| Europa Conference League | Zrinjski Mostar | Knockout phase play-off |
| FA Cup | Macclesfield | Eliminated by sixth-tier side last weekend |
The Conference League draw added another focus for Crystal Palace, who will meet Zrinjski Mostar from Bosnia in the knockout phase play-off. That comes shortly after the upset FA Cup defeat against sixth-tier Macclesfield and before a Premier League trip to Sunderland, highlighting a demanding schedule as Glasner seeks another trophy.
Crystal Palace are four points ahead of last season’s position at this stage, giving Glasner confidence in progress despite the Macclesfield exit. The coach, who brought the FA Cup to Selhurst Park last season, said the aim is "the best season in Crystal Palace history" before a departure already agreed with chairman Steve Parish.
We will face Zrinjski Mostar in the knockout phase play-off in the @Conf_LeagueCrystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 16, 2026
With Marc Guehi set for Manchester City, Jean-Philippe Mateta available, and Oliver Glasner leaving after the season, Crystal Palace face major change. The club, however, still sits in a strong league position, has European knockout football ahead, and remains intent on chasing further silverware before the agreed end of Glasner’s tenure.
