Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner sent a clear message to the board with his limited substitutions against Sunderland, highlighting the team’s lack of squad depth. Despite trailing 0-0 against a newly promoted side at home, Glasner made only two substitutions, introducing Justin Devenny in the 69th minute and Christantus Uche in the 84th minute. This cautious approach speaks volumes about his concerns over the squad’s depth, particularly with the team competing in the Europa Conference League.
Glasner’s Previous Comments
Glasner’s actions align with his comments in late July, where he expressed disappointment over the club’s transfer window activity. He stated that he was “promised more” signings and emphasized the importance of timely recruitment to avoid a slow start. Glasner noted that late deadline day signings aren’t always the answer, especially if you want a fast start. He hoped the club wouldn’t lose any more players and expressed concerns about getting four new signings on deadline day like last year, which could lead to another false start ¹.
Squad Depth Concerns
Glasner’s concerns about squad depth are valid, given the team’s current performance. Crystal Palace has drawn three out of four Premier League games, and their inability to see out matches has been a recurring issue. The team’s lack of depth has forced Glasner to rely heavily on his starting XI, which could lead to fatigue and injuries ².
Impact on Team Performance
The limited squad depth might affect Crystal Palace’s performance in both the Premier League and the Europa Conference League. With a congested fixture schedule, Glasner will need to carefully manage his players’ minutes to ensure they can compete on multiple fronts. The team’s academy players, like Rio Cardines and Justin Devenny, might get opportunities to shine due to the lack of depth ³.
Glasner’s Stance on Squad Development
Glasner has emphasized the importance of developing young players from the academy. He believes that giving academy players chances is crucial for the team’s growth and success. With players like Cardines and Devenny impressing in training, Glasner might continue to integrate them into the first team, providing valuable experience and depth to the squad ³.
