Victory in Leipzig not only secured Palace’s first UEFA Conference League title at the first time of asking, but also guaranteed UEFA Europa League football next season. For Hughes, the achievement made the challenges faced throughout the campaign all the more rewarding.
“It's still pretty raw, to be honest, it hasn't sunk in yet,” he explained. “All the consequences of winning this, the Europa League next year... yeah, the excitement.
“But like I said, the group we've got is just pretty incredible.
“Look at where we were in January. Things were really tough, not only for the players but for the club. A lot of injuries, we had a small squad, we were struggling.
“To see where we are now, we've all pulled together as a group and as a club. I think it's remarkable where we've gone.”
Having now helped Palace lift the FA Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Conference League in the space of just over a year, Hughes admitted it was impossible to separate the achievements – particularly the FA Cup and Conference League triumphs.
“Personally, I don't want to say it now, but the FA Cup... traditionally, growing up in England watching it on TV...
“But this, saying you've got a European trophy as well... it's incredible.”
