This Saturday marks the highly anticipated debut of manager Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace. Following Roy Hodgson’s departure, all eyes turn to Selhurst Park as the Eagles face Burnley in a crucial first match for the new boss.
Glasner, a Europa League winner with Eintracht Frankfurt, inherits a team eager to kickstart a new chapter. While Burnley presents a seemingly favorable opening on paper, the weight of expectation lies heavy on the new manager’s shoulders. Fans are keen to see how Glasner’s tactical philosophy and leadership will translate to the Premier League and unlock the potential of the Palace squad.
Some indication of exciting football
New Crystal Palace manager Adi Hütter takes the helm for the first time this weekend, facing a tight timeframe to implement his playing philosophy. With only four days to work with the squad before their Burnley clash, Hütter’s initial task becomes crucial: exciting the fans.
Palace supporters have endured stretches of dull, uninspiring football this season. Hütter promises a change, advocating for a high-pressing, counter-attacking style. While perfection may not be attainable for the first game, fans will be looking for concrete signs of this new approach.
Solid indications of Hütter’s tactical vision, even if not fully honed, would provide optimism and engagement. While expecting dominant pressing or a comprehensive dismantling of Burnley might be unrealistic, seeing glimpses of the manager’s intent would be a significant step forward.
Correct selection decisions
While implementing a new tactical style may not happen overnight for Eintracht Frankfurt head coach Oliver Glasner, one area he can immediately influence is team selection. With a full week to prepare for the upcoming match, Glasner faces the crucial task of making optimal decisions regarding his starting XI.
One particular player to watch is Matheus Franca, who could potentially replace Odsonne Edouard in the left inverted winger role. This tactical switch would allow the talented Brazilian to operate in a more central position, where he arguably thrives and showcases his abilities best.
Glasner’s choice in this position will be a key indicator of his intentions and the direction he plans to take the team. Whether he opts for Franca’s creativity in a more central role or Edouard’s experience in the wider position remains to be seen.
Three points are a necessity for Palace
Crystal Palace and manager Oliver Glasner face a crucial test this weekend against Norwich, the league’s 19th-placed side. While Glasner’s long-term vision for attractive football is undeniable, the immediate priority is securing results to avoid a relegation battle.
Despite the potential for Glasner to eventually mold Palace into a successful unit, his appointment signifies a desire for immediate impact. A loss against Norwich, currently in the relegation zone, would halt any momentum and potentially plunge the Eagles into a dogfight against teams like Sean Dyche’s Burnley.
Therefore, the priority against Norwich transcends aesthetics. A win, even if achieved through pragmatic means, is paramount to begin distancing themselves from the relegation zone. This match represents a crucial opportunity to break free from the threat of relegation and build a foundation for future success under Glasner.