Glasner on squad spirit, Academy pathway & new arrivals

First-team

12 Sept 2025

In the embargoed section of his pre-match press conference, Oliver Glasner spoke about Crystal Palace’s consistent form, collective spirit, the emergence of Academy talent, and the integration of new signings ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with newly promoted Sunderland at Selhurst Park (13th September, 15:00 BST).

Palace welcome the Black Cats to South London having made an unbeaten start to the 2025/26 campaign, following draws with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, before a 3-0 win at Aston Villa before the international break.

Sunderland have also enjoyed a positive start on their return to the top flight, taking six points from a possible nine, including a 2-1 win over Brentford a fortnight ago.

Before Saturday's clash at Selhurst Park, Glasner reflected on the team’s early-season momentum, squad cohesion, and the blend of youth and new additions.

Speaking on the success and togetherness of the squad, Glasner said: “I think that’s important, we’ve now been together for many months and it’s not just the last 14 games. I think in 2025 we’ve lost just four in 31 games.

"It looks like we’re very consistent, and we know where our foundations are - our defensive shape. And that doesn’t just mean the back three or the ‘keeper - it’s really the whole team.

"I just showed the players, the foundation of our success is what happened when Adam Wharton was limping with the groin injury - I showed it today. Fifty-third minute, he had to sit down, but Villa were attacking, and all of a sudden, JP Mateta is defending in the outbox.

"Then when we win the ball, Ismaïla Sarr, JP Mateta and Daichi Kamada - our three attacking players - are all in the outbox supporting us defend, while Adam is sitting 25 yards in front of the [Aston Villa] goal because he can’t run anymore. That’s something special.

"This is what you need. When I talk about character - and it has nothing to do with football - I mean giving everything so the team can be successful. It’s really great to experience this as a manager, we have this spirit in the group, this commitment from every single player.

"And at the end, when Ismaïla Sarr was injured, there were nine [on-field players]. No problem. We did it with nine - and that’s really fantastic.”

On Marc Guéhi’s influence, Glasner said: “He’s the captain - a real leader on the pitch. Very important, of course. He’s the captain, the leader.”

Glasner also praised Academy talent Rio Cardines and explained how he wants to reward young players doing well: “We have a player from our academy, Rio Cardines, who played both games for Trinidad and Tobago during the international break,” he said.

"Fantastic attitude - and he will get his minutes," he added. "I think we showed last year that we want to give our Academy players a chance if they’re doing well.

"It happened with Justin [Devenny], and it’s the same with Rio. If we feel he’s ready to help the team - and also protect him - then when the right moment comes, we will bring him on, definitely.”

Turning his attention to Christantus Uche, Glasner acknowledged the new signing's meteoric rise, versatility and quick adaptation: “Yeah, he showed it [his enjoyment]. That’s why I said he’s always smiling [earlier in the press conference].

"He said he’s living his dream in the Premier League, and he will give everything so that we are successful - that’s great.

"He’ll get all the support from everyone - the players, the staff - to help him improve, to become the best Christantus Uche he can be. And then he will have a good impact on us."

On where he fits in, Glasner said: "I think he can play all three attacking positions. I also talked to him, and he feels most comfortable in the number 10 position - and that’s also where we see him.

"With JP and Eddie Nketiah as our number 9s, we were looking for a player who could be a physical presence from the [number] 10. That’s similar to Ismaila - he could play as a [number] nine, but we think he’s better when he has the game in front of him and can attack the space.

"That’s what we see with Uche as well. And like with Ismaila, it will take a little bit of time. He’ll get that time, and then he will show up for us."

Glasner also reflected on the development of Jaydee Canvot and where he sees the defender fitting in: “We see him clearly in the back three. I think that’s his best position. He has a fantastic profile - only 19, tall, very quick, very physical, good understanding of the game, comfortable in possession, great in build-up.

"Now it’s about getting used to the physicality of Premier League football. At 19, you’re inexperienced, and sometimes you have to pay the price."

"We saw it in training today [Saturday, 12th September] against JP [Mateta] - in one-on-one situations, when he’s too close body-to-body, then the almost 100kg man just turns you and you’re in a bad position," he said.

"You have to experience that. It’s not to blame him - that’s exactly why he needs the training, he needs the games. But he will learn from it, definitely, because he’s a fantastic player.”

Match Details

Crystal Palace v Sunderland

Saturday, 13th September
15:00 BST
Premier League
Selhurst Park
Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.

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