Glasner on playing better on Wednesday, plus an update on Wharton - News

In Glasner's final home game as Manager Palace lost 2-1 to the new Premier League champions, despite a late goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Despite ending the league campaign with a defeat, the Eagles contributed to an entertaining final day clash.

The team can now turn full attention to Wednesday's Conference League Final in Leipzig against Rayo Vallecano and the chance to make it three trophies in two seasons.

“Regarding football it was not our best match, especially defensively," he said. "Late in the evening yesterday I changed the starting line-up.

“What defines this group is they never give up. We scored the goal [through Mateta] and nearly scored the equaliser.

“We have to play better, but will definitely play better on Wednesday."

Glasner did see Adam Wharton come on as a substitute but then take a knock on his ankle after just a few minutes.

Without wanting to risk the midfielder ahead of Leipzig, Wharton was subsequently withdrawn. But Glasner said that move was precautionary.

"His ankle is a bit sore," said Glasner. "He [Wharton] always gives positive signals, but the real answer we’ll get tomorrow after he's had one night of sleep.

"Hopefully it's not too bad an he's available for Wednesday."

Palace now have just two days without a game before Wednesday's Conference League Final. But Glasner confirmed that the preparation for Rayo has already begun and that his team will be ready to give everything in Germany.

"We've started analysing Vallecano," he added. "We analysed them with the players, showed them how they will press us, what we need in possession, how we want to get pressure on them, how they are going to play.

"We had two intense sessions this week planning for Vallecano.

"Now it's just about fine tuning and making sure the players are fresh. We don't want to change the players or the way we are playing.

"We are looking at Vallecano's strengths and how we can eliminate this and we are looking at where we can exploit.

"But it's a final and everything is possible."

With Sunday's game the last time he will be on the touchline at Selhurst Park, Glasner also reflected briefly on what has been a remarkable chapter for both himself and the club.

"I just can say thank you to every single player who contributed, when I think back to the development we've had over two years," Glasner added. "And I just want to say thank you to every single one of the staff who contributed.

"And of course to our fans who always supported us, who always believed in us. They believed in us so we could see that everything is possible."

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