Oliver Glasner took home another trophy in his last game as manager.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish hailed an “incredible achievement” after his team won the Conference League – the club’s third trophy in a year under outgoing manager Oliver Glasner.
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Palace won the FA Cup last season but were denied a place in the Europa League due to their multi-club ownership model. Now, however, they are back in the Europa League next season after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goal decided against Rayo Vallecano – and crowned a remarkable string of performances in recent years.
“Just being in Europe is so good, but to come here and win is incredible. What an amazing feat,” Parish told TNT Sports.
“After all the ups and downs this season, we finally end up in the Europa League. Sometimes the good guys win.
“We have gone up a level”
“Just surviving in the Premier League is difficult, as everyone knows. When I bought the club, I never thought we would play in Europe – let alone win. Now we want to continue,” Parish said.
“We have gone up a level, and we will try to stay there. We have to work hard this summer, but we’ll take a week and enjoy this first.
Parish must now decide who gets the enviable job of replacing Glasner at Selhurst Park. But the manager leaves behind a solid platform for further success.
The Austrian announced earlier in the season that he would be leaving the club, but still delivered success – despite Palace finishing 15th in the Premier League.
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Adam Wharton: “One of the best managers Palace have ever had”
Adam Wharton praised the manager.
“The difference he has made in two and a half years is unbelievable. Three trophies for Palace – the first three in the club’s history. First European competition, and we win it. Unbelievable,” Wharton said.
“He must be one of the best managers Palace have ever had. He has made a huge difference to how the club looks at tournaments. We’re not just looking at surviving in the Premier League or being in Europe – we’re looking at winning and reaching as high as possible.
“An adventure”
Captain Dean Henderson was also ecstatic.
“These guys surprise me all the time. We have had difficult times this season, but on nights like this we delivered. It’s incredible. It’s an adventure.
Tyrick Mitchell missed a great chance to open the scoring in the first half, admitting that fatigue was a problem in the second half as the Eagles held their ground.
“It’s something you dream about, but don’t believe is real,” he said.
“We have made it a reality. I’m proud of everyone – both past and present – who has helped us get to this point.
“We played 60 games this season, and our bodies are not used to it. There were several times we didn’t win, but if all that meant was that we came here and won, we would do it again.
“It’s the same feeling as when we won the FA Cup: pure joy, pure emotion. We are just so happy that we were able to finish.
