Glasner on 'deserved' aggregate quarter-final win & injury updates
Oliver Glasner’s reaction to reaching the UEFA Conference League semi-finals – following a defeat in the second leg to regular challengers AFC Fiorentina, but a 4-2 win on aggregate – was to the point: “I'm delighted to get through.”
The Eagles’ 3-0 lead from the first leg, earned with an exemplary display at Selhurst Park last week, was matched with a performance of equally impressive grit and character, as Palace overcame first-half injuries to Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix – and a febrile atmosphere in Florence – to earn their progression on the night.
As a result, Crystal Palace became just the second team in history to eliminate Fiorentina from a European quarter-final – succeeding where 10 other teams have failed – and in turn teed up what promises to be a historic semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Glasner noted: “We expected Fiorentina to try everything and that's what they did.
“It was a great start into the game by us, a big chance after two minutes to take the lead. But then we got a little bit passive, Fiorentina got the penalty, they got the belief back.
“It was very difficult to manage today, not just for me but for the players, making two substitutions before half-time. That means we lost two windows for subs, that's why we took off JP Mateta at half-time – because we knew that he can't play the full game and we needed another window to be flexible in the second half.
“To be honest, their second goal was too early, a great finish from outside the box. But then credit to the players for how they coped with the situation.
“I think we didn't really play well in the attack, but we defended very well. And also we had to make two subs: a very important one central defender in Maxence Lacroix and Adam Wharton, a very important midfielder.
“All the players who came on did so well. As a team I think we defended very well and didn't give them a big chance after they took the lead, and over the two legs I think we deserved to qualify for the semi-finals.”
On the aforementioned injuries, Glasner updated: “I don't know [how serious they are], honestly.
“Adam was his adductor, for which he had to leave the England camp. And let's see, he says it doesn't look so serious, but of course, we have to assess him further.
“And Maxence, I think he touched foot to foot and then he felt his knee, I think the medial ligament, so let's see. It's painful.
“But also credit to all the players who came in. I think that the defence then with Chadi Riad, Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot did very well, and then Jeff Lerma and Will Hughes in midfield.
“Today we are celebrating going to the semi-finals. It's really a massive achievement for the players. It's a massive achievement for Crystal Palace, and we're enjoying tonight.”
Palace – once again – were roared on by an incredible travelling contingent from start to finish, with the players and staff posing alongside supporters for photographs at full-time to commemorate another historic evening.
Glasner added: “We just can say ‘thank you’ to them.
“I think they see this European journey the same way we see it: it's the reward for winning the FA Cup last year.
“Thank you very much for supporting us always, and hopefully they can enjoy a great Thursday night here in Florence.”