Oliver Glasner concluded his tenure at Crystal Palace in spectacular fashion by securing the UEFA Conference League on Wednesday night, but what lies ahead for him and the Eagles?
Glasner’s time at Selhurst Park has been nothing short of remarkable. He led the club to their first-ever FA Cup victory last season, followed by a Community Shield triumph. This season, Palace made history by winning their first European trophy, defeating Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in Leipzig.
The 51-year-old Austrian manager joined the club in February 2024, but he had already announced his intention to leave when his contract expires this summer. His departure is a significant loss for the Eagles, especially after the success he has brought them. However, Glasner leaves the club in a much stronger position than when he took over from Roy Hodgson.
With Palace set to compete in the Europa League next season, the question now is: who will be the next manager to take the reins? And where will Glasner go next after proving himself as a successful coach, both at Palace and during his previous role with Eintracht Frankfurt, where he won the Europa League?
Next Crystal Palace Manager Odds
The most likely candidate to replace Glasner is a manager in a similar situation—leaving a club at the end of their contract after an impressive stint in charge. Andoni Iraola, who is departing Bournemouth after guiding them to sixth place in the Premier League and qualification for the Europa League, is seen as a strong contender.
The 43-year-old Spanish manager has been linked with bigger clubs like Liverpool and AC Milan, but he has held talks with Palace. If the deal goes through, it would be a major coup for the Eagles, although it would be a blow for Bournemouth fans, as both clubs will be competing in the same European competition next season.
Odds for the next Crystal Palace manager:
Andoni Iraola – 4/9
Jose Bordalas – 8/1
Thomas Frank – 12/1
Marcelino Toral – 14/1
Frank Lampard – 16/1
Pierre Sage – 16/1
Gareth Southgate – 20/1
Gary O’Neil – 20/1
Kieran McKenna – 20/1
Pep Lijnders – 20/1
Roger Schmidt – 20/1
Sean Dyche – 20/1
* Robbie Keane – 20/1
Odds courtesy of bet365
Another name being considered is experienced Spanish manager Jose Bordalas, currently in his second spell as Getafe’s head coach. The 62-year-old has previously managed Valencia and Alaves, and his first stint at Getafe saw the club achieve their best-ever La Liga finish of fifth in 2019.
Thomas Frank, former Brentford and Tottenham manager, is also among the top contenders, as is Marcelino, who has been in charge of Villarreal since November 2023.
What’s Next for Oliver Glasner?
Glasner is most strongly linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen, following a disappointing Bundesliga season where they finished sixth. Manager Kasper Hjulmand is expected to be replaced, and Glasner is reportedly on the shortlist of potential candidates.
Despite earlier speculation about moves to Chelsea and Manchester United, those positions have already been filled for next season. Glasner may choose to take a break and wait for a more prominent opportunity elsewhere, similar to how he left Eintracht Frankfurt at the end of the 2022/23 season before joining Palace in February 2024.
