Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has revealed he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Austrian put an end to months of speculation over his future when asked if Mark Gehi’s impending departure would affect his plans, and revealed that he had told Palace owner Steve Parish back in October that he would not be renewing his existing contract.
Glasner – who had already discovered the captain Marc Guehi is on the verge of being sold – said he had kept the news under wraps due to the club’s busy schedule during the final months of 2025 and only told his players earlier on Friday, ahead of their trip to Sunderland the following day.
He said: “The decision was already made, a few months ago. I had a meeting with Steve (Parish) in October, during the international break.
“We had a very long conversation and I told him that I will not sign a new contract.
“We agreed then that it was best to keep it between us. It was best that we could do it and keep it confidential for three months. I told the team today, because I think it’s important to be clear now.”
“We had a very tight schedule so we didn’t want to talk about it. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace.”
Glasner would not be drawn on the exact reason for his departure other than to say he told Parish he wanted to take on a “new challenge” away from Selhurst Park.
“I told Steve that I was just looking for a new challenge. I told him in October that it had nothing to do with the transfer window. I hate when something is written or said that is not true, and it was very difficult for me not to respond. We have a great relationship, and we always talk about what is best for Crystal Palace.
“I haven’t spoken to any other club, I told the players that and I promised them today that I will do my best to deliver the best season in the history of Crystal Palace. We are now four points better than we were at this stage of the season and we will do everything to bring another trophy back to Selhurst Park.
“Today we had the draw of the Conference League, we will play with Zrinjski Mostar.” from Bosnia in the playoff draw and I looked at the draw tree, it will be quite interesting who we might play in our section.
“I will do anything to help bring the trophy back to Selhurst Park.