Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner launched a fierce attack on the club's leadership after their 2-1 defeat to Sunderland. He expressed deep frustration over the decision to sell captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City just one day before a crucial Premier League match.
Manager Feels Abandoned by Club Hierarchy
Glasner, who will leave Crystal Palace at the season's end, did not hold back his feelings. He stated that his squad feels completely abandoned by the club's management. The manager emphasized that players have given their all despite challenging circumstances.
"I feel we are being abandoned completely," Glasner said. "I can't blame any player. They did everything they could and this has been going on for weeks and months now."
Timing of Captain Sale Called "Worst Thing"
The manager specifically criticized the timing of Marc Guehi's transfer to Manchester City. Crystal Palace accepted a reported 20 million pound offer from the reigning champions. This move came just before their Premier League fixture against Sunderland.
"The worst thing is selling our captain one day before playing a Premier League game," Glasner explained. "We are preparing, it's the first week we are training since September, and then we are selling our captain one day before a game. So I have no understanding of this."
Limited Squad Options Add to Frustration
Glasner revealed that only 12 or 13 players from the squad were available for selection. He pointed to the bench during the Sunderland match, noting the lack of experienced options.
"I look at the bench, I can't react, just kids on the bench," he said. "And this has not happened yesterday, this is weeks ago. That's why I'm really frustrated today."
Second Major Sale This Season
This marks the second time this season that Crystal Palace has sold a key player just before an important match. Earlier, Eberechi Eze moved to Arsenal in August. Eze had scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City last season.
"If you get your heart torn out twice this season, one day before a game, it was with Eze in the summer, it was with Guehi now," Glasner lamented. "What should I tell the players all the time? What should I tell them?"
Manager Commits to Seeing Out Season
Despite his strong criticism and confirmed departure, Glasner made clear his commitment to the team. He vowed to continue leading Crystal Palace through the remainder of the season.
"No, never, I would never," he responded when asked about leaving early. "I will go with this group of players until the end."
The manager's comments highlight growing tensions at Crystal Palace as they navigate a challenging Premier League campaign. Supporters will watch closely how the club responds to these public criticisms from their outgoing manager.
