Oliver Glasner has opened up on his frustrations following Crystal Palace's summer transfer business he felt didn't match their ambitions after European qualification. The Austrian coach spoke honestly after his side suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles were unbeaten at Selhurst Park since February but were beaten by a United side who came to life in the second half. Jean-Philippe Mateta had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot, but Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount did the damage for the visitors.
Glasner has overseen a remarkable transformation during his time in charge of Palace, including guiding the South Londoners to the FA Cup final last season. But he seems dissatisfied with the club's activity in the summer, feeling that the transfer chiefs prioritised "saving" money over investing.
Glasner Questions Palace Recruitment
Glasner and Parish
Glasner appeared to call out Palace's transfer activity by highlighting the need to build on European qualification. He told reporters (via BBC Sport):
"If you play European football for the first time in your history, you should invest and not save."
Ismaila Sarr sustained an injury in the defeat to United, and GIVEMESPORT exclusively caught the Senegalese winger on crutches leaving the stadium. His manager touched on this:
"We are doing well, we are still in a good position in the league and in all four competitions. I think January is too late. We will have played more than 50% of our games. Ismaila [Sarr] we lost him today with an injury and also he goes to AFCON so everything we are facing now, it's not surprising.
Glasner admitted he'd been waiting to get such issues regarding the club's recruitment off his chest:
"Everything was pretty clear and I didn't say anything but today I think it is also time to speak about it that we missed the chance to play an even better season in the summer."
The Austrian tactician's comments come at an important period for the Eagles as the 51-year-old's contract expires next year. He had been in talks about an extension, but potential jobs elsewhere could become available before June, when his current deal is up.
Glasner Threatened To Leave If Guehi Sold
Marc Guehi in action for Crystal Palace
Palace's FA Cup heroics and impressive performances in the Premier League last season put plenty of eyes on their top talent. Glasner watched Eberechi Eze head to Arsenal in a £60 million deal and Liverpool spent the summer eyeing Marc Guehi ahead of his contract expiring next summer.
The Reds made their move on deadline day, even agreeing on a £35 million fee with Arne Slot's defending champions. But the Austrian prevented the deal from going through after reportedly informing chairman Steve Parish that he'd be prepared to resign if the England international were sold without a suitable replacement.
Palace pulled the plug on the deal, and Guehi stayed put at Selhurst Park, where he has responded professionally despite missing out on a high-profile switch to Anfield. But it's not only the 25-year-old's future that is uncertain ahead of the January transfer window, as Glasner's clear issues with the club's transfer strategy will also be a cause for concern.