Oliver Glasner’s Caution on Transfer Speculation
Oliver Glasner, the manager of Crystal Palace, has cautioned supporters against taking transfer speculation at face value. His comments come in response to swirling rumors about the potential exits of star players Marc Guéhi and Eberechi Eze this summer. Eze has caught the eye of major clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham, while Liverpool is reportedly in negotiations with Palace regarding Guéhi, as reported by ESPN.
Match Performance Amid Transfer Buzz
Prior to the match against Chelsea in the Premier League’s opening weekend, there was considerable buzz over whether Eze and Guéhi would feature in the starting lineup, given the current transfer chatter. Ultimately, both players appeared on the pitch at Stamford Bridge, with Eze notably scoring a brilliant free-kick, although it was nullified due to Guéhi’s infringement on the Chelsea wall, resulting in a goalless draw.
Glasner’s Confidence in Eze
Glasner emphasized that as long as Eze remains under contract with Palace, he will continue to play for the team.
“Eberechi Eze, as far as I know, is contracted to Crystal Palace; he is a part of the team,”
Glasner remarked.
“He demonstrated that today, and as long as he is with us and maintains that level of performance, he will be in the squad. I was confident in picking him based on his training throughout the week.”
Fan Anxiety and Future Prospects
The past season ended on a high note for Palace when they lifted the FA Cup at Wembley, courtesy of Eze’s goal. However, the uncertainty surrounding the future of key players like Guéhi and Eze has created anxiety among fans, especially as the club prepares to compete in the less prestigious Conference League rather than the Europa League.
Advice on Transfer News
Following a promising start to the season, which included a draw against Chelsea and a victory in the Community Shield over Liverpool, Glasner advised fans and media alike to view transfer news with skepticism.
“It’s not personal against journalists, but I urge everyone to question the reliability of what they read online. Much of the information could be misleading and serves ulterior motives,”
he stated. He also expressed confidence in his players, as they train together daily, indicating that if the rumors were accurate, it would be difficult for the team to stay united and focused.
Transfer Window and Upcoming Matches
Despite his calm demeanor about the situation, Glasner acknowledged the ticking clock of the transfer window, which closes on September 2. He mentioned that Eze’s transfer clause is no longer valid and emphasized that the club will make the ultimate decisions regarding player movements. Next up for Palace is a match hosting Nottingham Forest on August 24, marking their first game following the recent demotion to the Conference League with Forest being promoted to the Europa League.
