‘Glasner’s FA Cup heroes give Tuchel food for thought’

Oliver Glasner’s managerial style, which has now brought Crystal Palace to the brink of history, was a revelation when they languished in the Premier League’s bottom three in October without winning eight games.

After a disappointing start that had given Palace only three points after a defeat at Nottingham Forest, the Austrian was asked to explain how he would play. “It’s time for hugging players, not kicking them.”

After Glasner’s Palace won the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa, the club moved one game closer to earning its first major award.

The 50-year-old’s refusal to accept tough love and simply embrace was rewarded by a 3-0 victory, which was both an incredible team performance from the back end and a pitch-perfect team performance.

This top-notch performance, which the Palace fans sang “Glad All Over” at one end of the red and blue Wembley stadium, was both evidence of Glasner’s dedication and the trust shown by chairman Steve Parish and the club’s hierarchy.

Their worst Premier League start since 1992-1993 came after Palace finished last season with 19 points from their final 21. The team’s dreary start came in the first few weeks of this campaign.

However, it was also announced after they lost renowned defender Joachim Andersen to Fulham and forward Michael Olise to Bayern Munich.

After the semi-final, Parish said, “I never had any doubts about Glasner’s work, his optimism, and the way he is.” He instills that in his players, who always believe in winning. He also loves football.

It was fantastic. They were excellent, in my opinion. Both the manager and the players deserve praise. You can understand what it means for them.

“I thought this was a genuine fan celebration. Two clubs that have recently struggled to achieve many awards. Never, ever, for us. We had a fantastic time at Wembley, and we are now on the verge of doing something completely new.

The Europa League victory with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, Glasner’s most memorable accomplishment thus far in his career, may even surpass that.

The spectacular heroics of Eze, who soared past Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Sarr after 31 minutes and with a stunning rising finish, will likely grab the headlines.

Sarr scored just before the hour’s end, scoring from a spot that sends a strong warning to Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, who could potentially face in the FA Cup final.

However, this does not adequately reflect the excellence displayed by Palace’s entire squad, which will undoubtedly give England coach Tuchel some thought.

Jordan Pickford of Everton is already considered England’s top choice, but Palace goalkeeper Henderson displayed the kind of mature behavior that confirms he will face the toughest opposition.

Tuchel was there when Palace needed Henderson at Wembley because he is regarded as admiring him. In the first half, he made a strong save from Ezri Konsa’s header, but Villa hoped to hold onto any momentum with two stops shortly after the break from Lucas Digne and John McGinn.

Eze won the man-of-the-match award for his impact, but the brilliant Wharton, who effortlessly strode through midfield with style, potency, creativity, and that priceless ability to win possession and then use it effectively, will have had a tough time putting him in front of him.

Wayne Rooney, the former England captain, has a sincere admiration for Adam Wharton, who he said was outstanding. I thought he was the best player on the pitch because of his commitment and ability to get the ball back.

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, praised him as “an excellent holding midfielder.”

Wharton’s somewhat strolling style and half-masted socks defy a strong competitive instinct. Due to Palace’s successful recovery from groin surgery, he was not included in Tuchel’s first full England squad, but the German is aware of his potential.

He participated in England’s under-21s team but also trained at St. George’s Park alongside the senior players.

Wharton was the man who robbed Youri Tielemans of Villa to begin the move that led to Sarr scoring Palace’s crucial second. He made five successful tackles, which is the most of any semi-final player.

And so Palace, under the direction of charismatic Glasner and his eminently watchable team, reach their third FA Cup final at Wembley.