Gary Cahill commented on the past and present of Crystal Palace before they travel to Leipzig.
The defender called the club his home after leaving Chelsea in 2019, and he witnessed firsthand the transition towards a talented, younger group that formed the foundation of the team’s current success ahead of the Leipzig final.
·‘You could see the intention’
After his departure in the summer of 2021, the Eagles acquired the likes of Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, and Michael Olise, having already bought Eberechi Eze the previous campaign. Patrick Vieira would replace Roy Hodgson, who returned for a second stint before the eventual arrival of Oliver Glasner, but a process has been in place behind the scenes, and it is reaping massive rewards.
“I loved it at Palace. Coming out of Chelsea and going into that environment – the Chairman Steve Parish, the players, the whole setup: I enjoyed my time there. It was a really good club to be part of.
“When I first came in, there were still a lot of lads there who had been part of that Premier League period and really understood what the club was about.
“But you could feel it starting to move on a little bit. Players were coming towards the end of contracts, the squad was gradually changing, and the club was preparing for a bit of a transition.
“It was more of a proper shift in the squad over time, a bit of a reset really. And when you’ve got that level of change, it does take a bit of time to settle. But you could see the intention – bringing younger players, players with energy, players who could develop together. And that’s what’s happened.
“I still look at Palace and hope they do well because I’ve got really fond memories of my time there. To see them win the FA Cup , the Community Shield , and now be in Europe – it’s brilliant. But to go all the way to a final is a phenomenal achievement. That’s not easy in any competition.
“It’s where players want to be. You play the best teams, travelling across Europe, and everything changes– the rhythm, preparation, even the pressure. In the Premier League , every game is intense, but Europe brings something different. Different styles, atmospheres, challenges away from home.
“And ultimately, that’s why clubs push so hard to get into it – because those nights, those experiences, and the chance to win trophies are what stay with you.”
Selhurst Park bond and a final to remember
Cahill also expressed his appreciation for the fans from Selhurst Park, with whom he created a connection despite spending only a couple of seasons in South London. For their sake, he hopes that the game against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig goes Palace’s way, encouraging them to embrace the moment.
“I knew Selhurst from playing there before. I knew how loud it was, how passionate the fans are, how much they get behind the team. But when you’re playing for them, it’s different. You really feel that support. It’s one of those grounds where the atmosphere can really lift you. I had a great relationship with the fans. They were brilliant from day one, and I always tried to give everything I had in return.
“If it’s anything like Selhurst, they’ll be incredible. That support becomes a real 12th man. These are the nights players live for – the travel, the build-up, the anticipation. It’s what you grow up dreaming about. And for the fans as well, it’s one of those occasions you’ll never forget if it goes your way.
“Get there safe, enjoy every minute, and back the team like you always do. Because nights like this don’t come around often. And if it’s your night, it stays with you forever.”