Oliver Glasner says he is “no David Copperfield” after being asked to transform Crystal Palace’s season.
Glasner was named the new Palace boss on Monday with Roy Hodgson standing down to focus on his health.
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The Austrian’s first task is to inspire a win against Burnley at Selhurst Park tomorrow and then gradually drag the Eagles away from the lower reaches of the Premier League table.
Palace go into tomorrow’s meeting with the struggling Clarets five points above the relegation zone having won just three of their last 18 league games.
Glasner said: “I’m not a magician, I’m not David Copperfield. It’s a new experience but what I always tell the players is it’s the same for me, it’s a challenge for all of us.
“We have had more meetings than training sessions on the pitch, but the important thing is the game tomorrow and to get the three points at Selhurst Park.
“We have everything we need in the squad to win Premier League games, especially at home. I’m convinced because otherwise I wouldn’t sit here. If I was afraid that we would get relegated, I wouldn’t be here.
“Maybe the players don’t have the best confidence at the moment but it’s normal. Burnley are maybe the same. This is what we want to give them.”
Glasner said this week has been about getting to know the players, and them him.
He added: “When you meet for the first time, it’s the same as when you start [any] job in another company. You have to get to know your colleagues. It is a big organisation.
“They have to find something about me, not only what they find out on the web. It was the first meeting to get us known and find out some basics.
“It’s honesty, communication and trusting each other, and really just how we want to work together for many years.”
Passion for the game ???? pic.twitter.com/6cdQwejcmE
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 23, 2024
Glasner will be without Palace’s two star men – Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise – against Burnley with both out injured, although Eze is edging closer to full fitness.
“We will be using the same squad that was at Everton – nobody is coming back but nobody [more is] out, either,” he said.
“Eze was with us for the last two training sessions and looked good. When he is ready, he will be with us in the squad. So it is good news that Eze trained with us.
“Will Hughes [will be available] next week, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise we will see.”