SBOTOP: Crystal Palace Boss Oliver Glasner Sets Sights on Silverware as Carabao Cup Campaign Resumes

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has made it clear that his team is fully focused on securing silverware this season, as they gear up for their Carabao Cup third-round clash against Queens Park Rangers (QPR) on Tuesday night. With the club’s Premier League form leaving much to be desired, Glasner hopes that the League Cup will offer a golden opportunity for the Eagles to make a deep run and build momentum in their season.

Palace’s Tough Start to the Season

Crystal Palace have endured a difficult start to the 2024-25 campaign, with just one victory in their opening league matches. Their only win this season has come in the League Cup, where they defeated Norwich City 2-0 in the second round, which secured their place in the third-round clash against QPR. Glasner is hoping that this competition will be a turning point, as he insists that the squad is capable of lifting a trophy this season.

“The Carabao Cup is a great opportunity for us,” said Glasner in his pre-match press conference. “We know we need to improve in the league, but this is a competition we are fully committed to. Every match matters, and winning silverware is a goal for this team. The players are hungry for success, and we want to give the fans something to cheer about.”

Eze’s Return to Loftus Road

Eze Eberechi was a standout performer for QPR, making 104 appearances and scoring 20 goals for the Hoops during his time there. His performances at QPR earned him a big-money move to Crystal Palace in 2020, where he has since established himself as one of the brightest attacking talents in the Premier League.

Despite the emotional connection to his former club, Eze remains fully focused on helping Palace progress in the competition. “It’s always special to be back to a place that means so much to you, but my job is with Crystal Palace now,” said Eze. “We have an important game to win, and I’m focused on doing everything I can to help the team. QPR gave me a platform, and I’ll always be grateful, but now it’s about Palace and pushing for the win.”

Glasner’s Silverware Ambition

Oliver Glasner, who took over the managerial reins at Crystal Palace during the summer, has brought with him a fresh perspective and a clear ambition: to win trophies. The Eagles have long been considered a mid-table Premier League team, but Glasner wants to break that narrative by delivering silverware. The League Cup presents a perfect chance for him to do just that, especially considering that top Premier League clubs often rotate their squads heavily in this competition.

The Austrian manager is keen to maintain momentum and build a winning mentality within the squad, even as their league form falters.

“We have the quality in this squad to compete, and if we can build on our performance against Norwich, we’ll be confident heading into this match against QPR” said Glasner.

A Cross-Capital Journey to Loftus Road

While Crystal Palace may be the favorites on paper, Glasner is cautious about underestimating QPR. The Championship side will be looking to cause an upset, and with home advantage at Loftus Road, they could pose a serious threat. Glasner has acknowledged that QPR’s passion and the familiarity of Eze’s return could play a role in their performance, but he remains confident in his side’s ability to overcome the challenge.

“Every match is difficult, especially against lower league opposition that has nothing to lose,” said Glasner. “We need to do our best to get the result we want. QPR will be motivated, and we must match that intensity.”