A Heartfelt Farewell: Oliver Glasner Pens Open Letter to Crystal Palace Supporters
In the wake of his final match on the touchline as Crystal Palace Manager, which took place on a historic and unforgettable evening in Leipzig, Oliver Glasner has shared an emotional and deeply personal open letter with the Eagles fanbase to express his gratitude and reflect on his time at the helm.
Reflecting on a Privilege That Will Last a Lifetime
Writing the morning after the magnificent European triumph, Glasner began by acknowledging the massive smiles that remain on the faces of everyone associated with the club, both those who traveled to support the team in Germany and those cheering from home. He admitted that putting his exact feelings into words is difficult as he departs Selhurst Park after two unforgettable years, but emphasized what an absolute privilege it has been to serve the football club. The former manager noted that this specific period of his career and life is one that will stay with him forever.
He recalled his arrival in South London, pointing out that while he first showed up at the stadium as an outsider and a stranger, he is leaving with the genuine perspective of a South Londoner. While acknowledging that it is natural for any group of football supporters to claim their team is special, Glasner insisted that Crystal Palace is truly a unique institution, defined by a distinct, powerful energy that is deeply rooted within the local community, with family values remaining firmly at its core.
Pride in People and Bonds Over Silverware
The departing coach recognized the harsh realities of modern football management, noting that the industry is ultimately a results-driven business where a lack of success quickly cuts any tenure short. Yet, despite the tangible achievements and silverware secured during his highly successful stint, Glasner revealed that the trophies themselves are not what fill him with the most pride. Instead, he takes the greatest satisfaction from the unified team culture built collectively during his stay, highlighting the unbreakable bond forged between the players, the backroom staff, chairman Steve Parish, the board of directors, and, above all else, the loyal supporters. This collective unity established a powerful belief that there is absolutely nothing the club cannot accomplish, and no opponent they could not defeat.
“Together we believed that there is nothing this club can’t achieve, no opponent we could not defeat.” — Oliver Glasner
Among the countless happy memories he is taking with him, Glasner singled out the incredible atmosphere generated by the fans at Selhurst Park on matchdays. He credited the intense emotion, passion, and sheer noise from the stands as the vital fuel that allowed his talented squad of players to fully express themselves, play with freedom, and deliver their absolute best on the pitch.
A Resilient Legacy and High Hopes for the Europa League
Through this collective effort, the team established a fierce competitive mindset. Glasner noted that while this mentality does not guarantee a victory in every single match, it successfully proved that Crystal Palace is capable of going toe-to-toe and fighting against the very highest tier of opposition, both in domestic competition and across the European continent.
He described the dramatic final match in Leipzig as the absolute perfect fairytale ending to his managerial tenure. For Glasner, the game served as a microcosm of what this specific group of players has truly evolved into: a resilient squad that flatly refuses to concede defeat and consistently backs one another through every single challenge. Looking ahead to the future, he expressed immense pride at the prospect of watching the club compete in the UEFA Europa League next season. He concluded his letter by issuing a final thank you to the fans for their extraordinary backing, their remarkable resilience, and their unwavering belief, stating that he will continue to follow the Eagles’ progress closely as they pursue the continued success they richly deserve.
