Premier League

The best! Glasner “already a legend”

Oliver Glasner is in the spotlight in England.

(Bild: Dave Thompson)

The fans in south London are at Oliver Glasner's feet. After the 4:1 gala against Aston Villa, the 50-year-old is Crystal Palace's best coach of all time in terms of points average. There are calls for an immediate contract extension before the Premier League giants come knocking.

"Oliver Glasner is already a legend. We have to keep him. Whatever the cost. It won't be long before Man United or Chelsea come sniffing around." An excerpt from the Crystal Palace fan forums. Where supporters are getting nervous, putting pressure on club boss Steve Parish to tie the Austrian down long-term. Glasner's contract with the Eagles currently only runs until 2026, which is too short for everyone ...

Because the 50-year-old has won all hearts in south London. Most recently with the 4:1 gala against Aston Villa, who reached the last 16 of the Champions League. "The players knew exactly what to do, were aggressive, patient and never lost momentum. A great day," Glasner beamed. "The atmosphere was brilliant, the support great."

Best coach of all time
After two home defeats against Brentford and Everton, his troops also set Selhurst Park alight. Seven of the last nine competitive games have been won. Glasner's side are among the top five in the Premier League away table and are approaching single figures in the "real" league table. Light years away from relegation. And that's after a shake-up in the summer, with relatively modest opportunities.

Much, if not all, of the credit goes to Glasner. After 46 games, he is the most successful Palace coach of all time with a points average of 1.64, making stars like Roy Hodgson and Patrick Viera look old. Only Steve Bruce collected more points in 2001 (average 2.0) - but he only lasted 18 games. And that was in the second division. No comparison with Glasner, the legend ...