Oliver Glasner Unleashes Fury at Crystal Palace: "They Ripped My Heart Out" Over Marc Guehi Deal
Oliver Glasner has criticized Crystal Palace's leadership for "deserting" him and his squad following their decision to sell captain Marc Guéhi just one day before their match against Sunderland this weekend.
This seemed to be the breaking point for Glasner, who also mentioned the summer transfer of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, after the 2–1 loss. The manager, strongly connected with Manchester United, had previously announced on Friday that he would not extend his contract beyond its June expiration.
Guéhi was absent from the match and is expected to move to Manchester City for an initial £20 million ($26.8 million) in the upcoming days. Together with Eze, the England defender was fundamental to Palace's achievements last season, which included a memorable FA Cup victory and European competition qualification.
Eze transferred to Arsenal in August for £67.5 million. The Gunners activated a buyout clause in his contract, leaving Palace with no choice. However, Glasner criticized his club at that time because Arsenal's plans were known well in advance, yet he believed insufficient preparation was made.
Guéhi almost moved to Liverpool on summer transfer deadline day, until the Eagles canceled the deal when they realized they couldn't secure a replacement in time.
However, offloading Guéhi without actively bringing in new players has angered a frustrated Glasner, who claims he "cannot assist" the players on the field due to the squad's lack of depth.
"I feel we are being deserted entirely," the Austrian manager told BBC Match of the Day.
"I cannot fault any player [for the loss to Sunderland]. They gave their all and this situation has persisted for weeks and months. We have 12, 13 available squad players and we sense no backing. The most troubling aspect is disposing of our captain just one day before a Premier League fixture.
"We are getting ready, it's the first [complete] week we've trained since September, and then we're selling our captain one day before a match. I cannot comprehend this decision."
Glasner stated he could no longer "remain silent" because he must "protect" his current players after competing in 35 matches this season.
If you have your heart ripped out twice this season, one day before a match, it happened with Eze in the summer, it occurred with Guehi now ..." he added. "What am I supposed to say to the players constantly?"
Glasner rejected suggestions he plans to leave Palace before summer, stating he has "tremendous respect" for his squad and feels obligated to complete the season with them. However, supporters now seriously question whether the club will permit him to remain.
Marc Guéhi Desperately Needed by Man City
Marc Guéhi Desperately Needed by Man City
Manchester City's loss to Manchester United in Saturday's early Premier League fixture demonstrated precisely why Pep Guardiola's team are so eager for Guéhi to arrive.
Other interested parties like Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid were reportedly prepared to wait for the former Chelsea youth product to become a free agent this summer. However, City have acted faster, forgoing the chance for a free transfer to secure him immediately.
Guardiola was missing Rúben Dias, Joško Gvardiol and John Stones due to injuries at Old Trafford. Max Alleyne, recently returned from a loan at Watford, started at center-back alongside Abdukodir Khusanov, the experienced player at just 21 years old. Alleyne was substituted at halftime, with Nathan Aké, who requires careful minute management for fitness reasons, moving over from left-back.