Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has called for his team to remain humble after their disappointing 1-0 defeat to AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The loss has served as a stark reminder that success in European competitions is not guaranteed, even for Premier League teams.
Glasner Warns Against Complacency
Glasner emphasized the need for humility, particularly in light of the recent successes of English clubs like West Ham and Chelsea in the competition. He cautioned against the assumption that Premier League teams are automatically destined to win the Conference League, highlighting the importance of respecting their opponents.
"You are always told when you play in the Premier League you win the Conference League," the Palace boss said. "Stay humble. I don’t know if any debutant is able to win the competition. I don’t think so."
Missed Opportunities Prove Costly
The match saw Crystal Palace squander several clear-cut chances, with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah both failing to convert opportunities to score Palace’s first home European goal. Glasner acknowledged the team's lack of clinical finishing and stressed the importance of supporting the players rather than assigning blame.
"This is what we can blame us for, but on the other side, no player does it on purpose. And now it’s to support them, not to blame anybody," he stated.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, Glasner remains optimistic and believes the team will learn from the experience. He urged them to focus on creating even more opportunities in future matches. "And now we need to keep going. If we have five clear chances and don’t score, we will try to create seven, eight or nine the next time."
The defeat serves as a wake-up call for Crystal Palace as they navigate their Conference League campaign, reminding them that hard work, respect for opponents, and clinical finishing are essential for success.