Crystal Palace will learn their Conference League last-16 opponents in the draw on Friday at 13:00 GMT. The team has had a chaotic campaign, with key players leaving and the manager criticizing the club, but they could still end the season with European glory.
According to Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson, the team's recent 2-0 win over Bosnian side Zrinjski to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory was a significant step forward. As reported by the BBC, Henderson joked, "I don't know what all the fuss was about."
The Eagles have been in the headlines almost daily over the past 12 months, with an emotional rollercoaster for supporters. In May, they won their first major trophy, beating Manchester City to win the FA Cup, and then added another three months later with a penalty shootout win over Liverpool to clinch the Community Shield.
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However, the team has faced significant challenges, including the departure of winger Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and the potential loss of top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta, who failed a medical with AC Milan.
Manager's Statement
Oliver Glasner, the most successful manager in the club's history, announced in January that he would be leaving at the end of the season. Despite telling the club's board they had "abandoned" the squad, he has stayed on, with fans holding up a banner on Sunday saying he was "finished". Glasner stated, "There's so much noise, sometimes you really don't understand it. Maybe I gave some interviews that were not helpful and I have to admit that, but I'm always telling what I'm feeling, it's how I am."
Team Performance
Crystal Palace are currently 13th in the Premier League, but 10 points clear of the relegation zone and only three away from eighth, which could secure a European return next season. The team's recent performance, including a 1-0 win over Wolves, has given fans hope for a strong finish to the season.
Injury Update and Future Prospects
With the club's injury problems easing and key players expected to return, hopes are rising among Palace fans that the most chaotic of seasons could end in more record-breaking glory and a first European trophy. As former Palace defender James Tomkins said, "They go through to the next stage, into the last 16 of this competition and they are favourites to go on and win it from here.""
