Oliver Glasner will walk away from Crystal Palace as a European winner after confirming he had no intention of reversing his decision to leave.Glasner led Palace to the Conference League title last night with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig, Jean-Philippe Matetas second-half goal proving the difference.Including the Community Shield and FA Cup, it was the third trophy Palace had won under the Austrian inside 12 months but he will now depart having opted not to sign a new deal.Asked if hed thought about performing a U-turn, he said: No. I remember you asked me once, it was at the academy, when the fans prepared the banner, when we were struggling a little bit. And now its the same. I see myself as a servant for the players, as a servant for the club and then somebody who gives the direction.I told the players today in the meeting when we were in the hotel, because I got many messages from fans where they said: Thank you for the best day of my life, and I really appreciate it. And I told the players exactly the same. So I have to say thank you to the players, I have to say thank you to the supporters, because its the same.Table of ContentsMagic-man Glasner departs Palace a heroWhats next for Glasner and Crystal Palace?Magic-man Glasner departs Palace a heroGlasner claimed he was no David Copperfield when he was appointed in February 2024 but produced plenty of show-stopping moments in his time at Selhurst Park.I just supported this group of players I could be the best magician but without the players it wouldnt work, he added.The players deserve all the credit because they have to trust me and work very hard. They will all tell you Im very demanding. But they know I want the best for everyone. As soon as everyone understood that we created a fantastic spirit and the supporters now have what they deserve with a spot in the Europa League.Palace joy was in stark contrast to the obvious disappointment felt by Rayo Vallecano.Coach Iigo Prez, who is likely to join Villarreal this summer, said: This performance shows what we are as a group. When we have challenges like Crystal Palace that are very difficult we keep trying and show no fear. Obviously, when you lose its painful, but I like to hear that we have brought happiness to the neighbourhood.You cant help feeling how it would have been if we had won. It would have been an amazing explosion of joy.Whats next for Glasner and Crystal Palace?Mystery surrounds Glasners next move, although there are still plenty of dominoes to fall elsewhere in the Premier League and in Europe. He has been linked with a move back to Germany, while there is also a potential vacancy opening up at Fulham if Marco Silva decides to leave.As for Palace, they must now start the search for a new boss.Andoni Iraola is on their shortlist, as is former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank and Getafes Jose Bordelas.Iraola would be the dream appointment but he has also been linked with the likes of AC Milan and Liverpool. Topics Crystal Palace F.C. Rayo Vallecano Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Crystal Palace enjoy historic European trophy: Sometimes the good guys win Tom Rostance 27th May, 2026 Crystal Palace 1-0 Rayo Vallecano: Mateta strike delivers famous Conference League win for Eagles Tom Rostance 27th May, 2026 Crystal Palace v Rayo Vallecano: Teams confirmed for Conference League final Tom Rostance 27th May, 2026 Crystal Palace v Rayo Vallecano: Conference League final line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Ben Miller 26th May, 2026 Crystal Palace Conference League fixtures, results, squad and schedule 2025/26 101 GreatGoals 26th May, 2026 Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal: Champions celebrate title success after edging past Eagles Jon Fisher 24th May, 2026
