The Athletic FC Podcast

How Glasner has made Palace unbeatable

Oct 1, 2025
Reuben Pinder, a tactical analyst known for his detailed breakdowns, joins Jon Mackenzie, another expert in tactical insights, to explore Crystal Palace's impressive run. They discuss how manager Glasner’s style and intense mid-block have turned the team into an unbeatable force. The duo dives into set-piece strategies and how they've transformed corners into a key weapon. They also assess squad depth, the impact of European competitions, and the challenges of potentially losing Glasner to a bigger club. Expect candid insights on Palace's bright future!
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ANECDOTE

Memorable Late Winner At Selhurst

  • Reuben ranked Mateta's late winner vs Liverpool among Selhurst's best post-promotion moments.
  • He described a newfound fan confidence that Palace can beat anyone on their day.
INSIGHT

Active Mid-Block Is The Defensive Bedrock

  • Palace's mid-block is very active with players stepping into challenges and centre-backs covering spaces.
  • That aggressive mid-block prevents opponents from slowly progressing and enables quick transitions.
INSIGHT

Manager-Led Consistency Drives Form

  • Oliver Glasner has built Palace around mentality, consistency and using players' strengths.
  • He prioritises familiarity and heavy minutes for a compact squad to improve cohesion.
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