Glasner Reveals Tactical Approach and Ozoh's Progress at Palace

With Crystal Palace riding a three-game winning streak in the Premier League, manager Oliver Glasner is focused on implementing his tactical vision and pushing the team’s intensity in training. In his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash against Fulham, Glasner offered insight into his approach since taking over mid-season.

“Of course we have an idea how we want to play, and we know what it needs there for in training,” Glasner stated. “I think we increased the intensity in training.”

The German manager acknowledged the challenges of implementing sweeping changes immediately after joining a club mid-campaign. “You can’t do this on that level, coming [into the job] three days before the Burnley game, and saying now we change everything, because you risk injury, you risk that the players are not fitted.”

Instead, Glasner has taken a measured approach, introducing his tactics gradually over time. “It’s always a process. I think there will never be an ending. It’s always growing as a group, growing as an organisation, always adapting what we can do, what we want to do on the pitch.”

One area of focus has been navigating Palace’s injury situation, which Glasner says is a challenge faced by many Premier League clubs this season. “It was a key, but yes, I was totally convinced of the quality and character of the team.”

While implementing his system, Glasner has also been impressed by the performances of Palace’s midfielders, particularly Adam Wharton and Will Hughes. This has made it difficult for young prospect David Ozoh to earn minutes, despite his impressive displays in training.

“David was not injured, so he’s doing really well in training. We have a very competitive training now, and the players have to show that they are ready to help the team to win a game,” Glasner explained.

The Palace manager believes Ozoh, who is just 18 years old, has the physical tools to play multiple positions, including centre-back and midfield roles. However, Glasner acknowledged that Ozoh still needs to develop his ability to quickly solve pressure situations in midfield.

“I think he has to improve to play in the middle of the pitch. This makes it a little bit easier in the back, because you always have the game in front of you, and you’re never with the back to the game, so that’s what makes it more difficult.”

Regardless of Ozoh’s current role, Glasner expressed appreciation for the young player’s attitude and application in training, setting an example for the entire squad.

As Crystal Palace continues its push for a European place, Glasner’s tactical imprint and man-management will be crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum and nurturing talents like Ozoh for the future.