Fiorentina vs Crystal Palace – Glasner: ‘I’m open to Serie A one day; not much difference between the 2 leagues’
Oliver Glasner has revealed he would be open to managing in Serie A in the future, while insisting Crystal Palace will approach Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg at the Stadio Franchi with exactly the same attacking mindset that earned them a 3-0 victory in the first leg.
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The Austrian coach, speaking at his pre-match press conference in Florence, was asked about the perceived gap between the Premier League and Serie A following a week in which both Palace and Aston Villa dominated their Italian opponents in European competition. His response was measured and respectful.
“I watched both our match and the Bologna-Aston Villa game, Bologna missed several chances,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I don’t think there is much difference between the two leagues. The way teams play is different, but I would not say anything beyond that.”
Crystal Palace boss Glasner ‘open’ to Serie A switch
On the prospect of one day working in Italy, Glasner was equally open. “I follow Serie A closely and I am open to considering the idea of coming to Italy, certainly,” he said. “But what matters to me is the ambition of the club I go to work for. Right now I am not thinking about my future.”
Despite holding a commanding three-goal advantage, Glasner made clear his side will not be parking the bus at the Franchi.
“Nobody here has that mentality,” he said. “Since I arrived in London, our idea has always been to demonstrate our value against any opponent, home or away. Tomorrow our approach will be the same, we will not be defending.”
He also confirmed that the number of players on yellow card warnings will not influence his team selection for the first minute.
The only confirmed absentee is Guessand, who will miss the next two weeks, though Glasner pointed to Palace’s ability to cope without him, citing the Newcastle result as evidence.
Jean-Philippe Mateta returns having recovered from injury, though Glasner acknowledged he is not yet at full fitness. “I hope he can play a good World Cup with France,” the coach added, hinting that the striker’s future at the club beyond this season is uncertain.
Glasner also expressed admiration for what he expects from the Franchi atmosphere, while noting the frustration of seeing part of the stadium closed during the Lazio match. “I am certain the fans will create a great atmosphere,” he said. “And I expect much more aggression from Fiorentina tomorrow.”