2026-04-10 11:36:56
Oliver Glasner felt “something special” as Crystal Palace beat Fiorentina in the Conference League.
The Eagles earned a superb 3-0 victory on Thursday (09.04.26) to take charge of the quarter-final tie and the coach hailed the efforts of both players and supporters as they took a major step towards the last four.
Glasner said: “It’s a pleasure for everybody as long as the European journey lasts. Of course Fiorentina is a big name, Italian football is a big name, and so everybody expected a very tight game, whereas in the last games it felt like everybody expected a clear win.
“The circumstances were different. I think all of this created a special atmosphere today, and I think this is the special atmosphere we needed always. Playing a European competition is always something special, especially when you have it the first time in your club’s history.
“Today I could feel that there was something special, and I think it was a special atmosphere and a special performance.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for Palace with his first goal since New Year’s Day and Glasner was happy to see the striker receive a warm ovation from the Selhurst Park crowd – who were disgruntled when he tried to force a move to AC Milan during the January transfer window.
The Palace boss said: “I think that’s what JP deserves. He always gives 100 per cent effort to the team, 100 per cent effort for Crystal Palace, and he’s got so many important goals for us.
“He had a tough period, he was six weeks he couldn’t hit the ball and train on the pitch and he was really working hard to get back.
“I’m pleased for him, I’m pleased for Crystal Palace, because he’s a great player, a great striker and we will need him.”
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