By Oliver Glasner has offered rare public praise for Crystal Palace‘s leadership — and it tells us a lot about where this club is headed in 2026.
TrendingUpdatesToday.com breaks down what the Austrian manager said, who arrived in January, and how those new faces are already changing the team’s fortunes.
Why Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace Fans Are Talking About This Statement
At a pre-match press conference ahead of Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League last-16 first leg against AEK Larnaca, Oliver Glasner made headlines with unusually warm words for his club’s hierarchy.
Glasner has not always held back his frustration. He was openly critical when the club sold centre-back Marc Guehi in January. But this time, his tone shifted completely.
“I think the club did a great job regarding the strengthening of our attack,” Glasner told reporters.
For a manager known for his blunt communication style, that counts as high praise.
Crystal Palace’s Winter Transfer Window: Who Arrived?
The Crystal Palace winter transfer window delivered three attacking reinforcements:
| Player | Position | Previous Club | Goals | Assists | Appearances |
| Jørgen Strand Larsen | Striker | Wolverhampton | 3 | 1 | 7 |
| Evann Guessand | Forward | Aston Villa | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| Brennan Johnson | Winger | Tottenham Hotspur | 0 | 2 | 13 |
These Crystal Palace new signings arrived at a critical moment. Star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta had been sidelined with a knee injury, leaving Glasner dangerously short of attacking options.
Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace: “We Need the Options”
Glasner was direct about why the additions mattered so much right now.
“We have a three-game week again, and are expecting a very physical and intense game against Leeds in the Premier League on Sunday,” he said. “We need all these options, and it is good to have them.”
The Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace approach is built on squad depth, pressing intensity, and tactical flexibility. Without multiple capable attackers, that system simply doesn’t work at full force.
How Are the Crystal Palace New Signings Performing?
Strand Larsen: The Standout
Strand Larsen Crystal Palace has been the clear success story. Three goals and an assist in just seven appearances is an excellent return. With Mateta injured, Glasner needed someone to step up — and the Norwegian international delivered.
Guessand: Better Than at Villa
Evann Guessand Crystal Palace numbers are also impressive in context. He scored two goals and added an assist in seven games — more than he contributed in 21 appearances at Aston Villa. The change of environment appears to have unlocked a different player entirely.
Brennan Johnson: Still Settling In
Brennan Johnson Crystal Palace has yet to make the same immediate impact. Two assists from 13 games is modest, but the Welsh winger’s versatility gives Glasner valuable options across the front line. His best is likely still to come.
Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace and the Road to Conference League Glory
With the squad now more balanced, Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace enters the Conference League knockout stage in better shape than many expected. The Eagles face AEK Larnaca in the last 16, with clear ambitions to go deep in the competition.
Glasner confirmed that at least one key first-team player is also set to return from injury for the Larnaca match, giving the squad even more firepower heading into a critical run of fixtures.
5 FAQs: Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace Winter Window
1. What did Oliver Glasner say about Crystal Palace’s transfer business? Glasner praised Crystal Palace’s hierarchy, saying the club “did a great job” strengthening the attack during the January 2026 window.
2. Which players did Crystal Palace sign in January 2026? Crystal Palace signed Jørgen Strand Larsen, Evann Guessand, and Brennan Johnson in the winter transfer window.
3. Why was the Crystal Palace winter transfer window so important? Star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a knee injury, leaving Glasner short of attacking options at a crucial stage of the season.
4. How has Strand Larsen performed at Crystal Palace? Strand Larsen has been excellent, scoring three goals and adding one assist in seven appearances across all competitions.
5. What competition are Crystal Palace in apart from the Premier League? Crystal Palace are competing in the UEFA Europa Conference League last 16, facing AEK Larnaca in March 2026.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace?
This rare moment of public praise from Oliver Glasner signals something real. Crystal Palace‘s winter transfer window was targeted, smart, and — crucially — it’s already working.
With Strand Larsen finding the net, Guessand exceeding expectations, and Johnson integrating into the squad, the Eagles have genuine depth in attack for the first time this season. As TrendingUpdatesToday.com continues to track Crystal Palace’s push for Conference League success, the signs are increasingly positive under Glasner’s watch.
Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace is building something — and the January window may well be remembered as the moment things clicked.
Sources
- Sports Mole – Glasner praises Palace chiefs after winter window
- UEFA – Europa Conference League official hub
- Premier League – Crystal Palace official club page
- BBC Sport – Crystal Palace latest news