Crystal Palace’s manager, Oliver Glasner, has expressed his admiration for Shelbourne and the advancement of Irish football, drawing parallels with his homeland of Austria. This commentary comes ahead of the UEFA Conference League match between Shelbourne and Crystal Palace, scheduled for Thursday at Tallaght Stadium. Shelbourne faces a challenging situation, currently positioned 34th in the table, with their qualification for the knockout stages hanging by a thread following a season that has left them level on points with Shamrock Rovers.
In his preview of the highly anticipated match, Glasner lauded the organizational structure of Joey O’Brien’s side, commending their defensive strength while also acknowledging that they have struggled with conceding goals. He stated, “It’s a little bit tricky for Shelbourne and the Irish clubs because the season has already ended and maybe you are not in this rhythm anymore,” underscoring the difficulties faced by teams at this stage.
Glasner praised the overall progression of Irish football, noting that two clubs from Dublin are competing in the UEFA Conference League this season. He remarked, “I don’t know how the last years have been for Irish football, but two teams playing in Conference football is a good achievement.” This sentiment suggests a growing recognition of Ireland’s emerging football scene on the European stage.
Additionally, Glasner’s comments led to minor diplomatic hiccups when he referred to the matchup as a “UK derby.” However, he later clarified that, akin to the emotional rivalries between Austria and Germany, there is a distinct feeling surrounding the competition between his side and Shelbourne.
Crystal Palace is looking to solidify their position in the tournament, currently in 18th place and eager to secure crucial points to advance to the Last 16. Glasner conveyed his disappointment regarding the team’s performance thus far, with two wins and two losses from their four matches in the tournament.
As the match approaches, the excitement and implications are palpable, with both clubs looking to make a statement in this pivotal encounter. The growth of Irish football, highlighted by Glasner’s appreciation, signifies a promising future as these teams continue to strive for success on the European stage.