As Crystal Palace prepare to head to Arsenal this Sunday, head coach Oliver Glasner has addressed the media, offering a candid and measured preview of the upcoming challenge. His remarks covered the squad’s fitness, their current standing, the opponent’s threat, and the mindset required to succeed at the Emirates.
✅ Squad fitness & preparation
Glasner confirmed that the team emerged from their recent fixture against AEK Larnaca physically intact, emphasising that the focus now is on recovery and maintaining rhythm. “It looks like everyone came through physically okay,” he stated.
He added that for those who didn’t feature, 30-40 minutes of ball work and recovery were planned to ensure they remain sharp ahead of the visit to Arsenal.
🧠 Where the squad is at
Glasner was clear that while the club’s start to the season has been strong, it doesn’t guarantee consistent peak performance every week. “Of course, the start was excellent… but I was clear that it doesn’t mean the whole season will be like this,” he said.
However, he maintains no serious concern about the direction of the team. “I have no concerns at all, because the performances are okay.”
His message to the players: keep the effort high, stay connected, and make the most of the chances being created.
⚔️ The opponent: Arsenal challenge
When asked about Arsenal, Glasner was forthright about the magnitude of the test. He referenced the Gunners’ recent dominant displays, describing them as “very efficient, very dangerous in set-plays… they make good runs in-behind” and “good in the one-v-ones.”
Recalling Palace’s 2-2 draw at the Emirates last season, he said: “Even there we had great chances before we scored the equaliser.”
On what their strategy should be, Glasner noted: “Maybe it makes a click at the Emirates… to be efficient, having one or two chances and scoring one or two goals.”
He tempered expectations by admitting: “I don’t expect us to have seven or eight big chances. But on the other side, I hope I’m wrong like I was before Bournemouth, and we have seven or eight big chances there.”
🤝 Team unity & mental approach
Glasner emphasised the importance of unity especially following recent disappointment. Addressing the mood in the dressing room after their last outing, he said: “Everyone is disappointed … nobody is speaking, and the players are blaming themselves for different reasons.”
He insisted that this is the moment when support and togetherness matter most: “For me, in this period, the players need support … because they are just great guys.”
He stressed that each game must be treated with full seriousness: “If someone believes they have to save their energy for Saturday then it would be quite easy, but they said ‘no’ and want to show our style … by giving our best.” (Note: this quote is from a previous similar situation but captures his mindset)
🔍 Final word
Glasner’s overarching message ahead of Sunday’s game is one of cautious optimism. He acknowledges the strength of the opponent, recognises the areas where his side must improve (notably finishing and consistency), and reaffirms the need for mental and physical readiness.
For Palace fans, the take-away is clear: the team is fit, motivated, aware of the challenge — and ready to give their best. Whether that will be enough to prevail at Arsenal remains to be seen, but under Glasner’s leadership the intent is unmistakable.
Match details:
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – Sunday, 14:00 GMT at the Emirates Stadium.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a fascinating test of char
acter and ambition for Palace under Oliver Glasner.
