Oliver Glasner praises Crystal Palace youth but mentions club is ‘on track’ to add new players in January
A revamped Eagles squad managed to secure a Conference League playoff position following a 2-2 draw with KuPS.
Crystal Palace’s manager Oliver Glasner commended the young talents’ effort but indicated that the club is “on track” to sign new players during the January transfer window after achieving a Conference League playoff spot through a 2-2 draw against KuPS at Selhurst Park.
A win would have allowed Palace to seal a top-eight finish, enabling automatic qualification for the last 16. Instead, Glasner’s team settles for a two-leg playoff after the reshaped Eagles side mounted a comeback to earn a draw against the Finnish champions.
Christantus Uche netted a spectacular goal, giving the home side an early lead just five minutes in. However, despite a strong first-half display, the visitors turned the match around when Piotr Parzyszek and Ibrahim Cisse found the net in rapid succession shortly after half-time.
Clinton Antwi was subsequently sent off for KuPS following a reckless challenge on Will Hughes, which allowed Palace to regain momentum, leading to Justin Devenney equalizing with 15 minutes to go.
Glasner made 11 changes to the lineup from the previous match against Manchester City over the weekend, providing senior debuts to three graduates from the academy.
The Palace head coach was quick to acknowledge the strong performances from his younger players.
“I was very happy with their display, particularly from the young players,” Glasner stated to TNT Sports. “We lost a bit of our structure for around 10-15 minutes, but it was encouraging to see us bounce back.
“Obviously, our aim was to win and move directly into the last 16. Now we face playoff matches, and we accept that. Nevertheless, I thought the young players performed admirably today. It was a valuable experience for them.
“I was very satisfied with the performance.”
When asked about the possibility of new signings in the January transfer window amid an escalating fixture list, Glasner suggested that discussions have begun but stayed vague about details.
“We began discussions on this (transfer targets) weeks ago because waiting until now would be too late.
“Everything is already progressing well. It’s just about finalizing the agreements. The club is aware of this, and the board is informed.”
Next on the agenda for Palace is an away match against the in-form Leeds United on Saturday in the Premier League.
Published: 2025-12-18 23:03:00
Source: www.101greatgoals.com
