Why Glasner always prefer “UNDERDOG” Style of football ⚽

Oliver Glasner, the former manager of Eintracht Frankfurt, is seen posing with the trophy after leading the team to victory in the 2022 Europa League final.

Glasner spent two successful years at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he guided the club to their Europa League triumph.

In contrast, Crystal Palace is a Premier League team currently embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation. Their only league win this season came in a recent draw against fellow strugglers Everton, which lifted them to 15th place in the standings, just five points above the relegation zone.

In a surprising move, Crystal Palace has appointed Glasner as their new manager shortly after Roy Hodgson confirmed his departure on Monday.

The 49-year-old Austrian, who witnessed his new team secure a crucial point at Goodison Park, has been described as a “genuine talent for revitalizing struggling sides” by German football expert Constantin Ecker. According to Ecker, Glasner has demonstrated a true flair for turning around troubled teams, as evidenced by his tenures at Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, where he inherited sides in difficult situations.

However, Glasner has typically taken over teams before the start of the season, unlike his current situation at Crystal Palace, where the transfer window is closed.

Glasner’s preferred style of play is often described as “underdog football,” with his teams excelling when able to attack opponents on the counter rather than adopting a proactive possession-based approach. This style may suit Crystal Palace’s current squad and their performances thus far.

One potential challenge for Glasner is whether he can establish a connection with the locker room as quickly and successfully as he did at his previous clubs, where he was familiar with the culture, given that he is an Austrian who has only coached in his native country and Germany.

Glasner has emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with his players for a manager to be successful. He achieved this remarkably well with Eintracht Frankfurt during their 2021-22 season, which culminated in the Eagles defeating Rangers in the Europa League final after eliminating formidable opponents like Real Betis, Barcelona, and West Ham.

Although known for his cool and reserved demeanor, Glasner appeared to come out of his shell during that Europa League run, frequently providing his players with intense gestures and orders, much like Jurgen Klopp.