3 hours ago
3
Oliver Glasner confirmed his Crystal Palace exit and announced Marc Guehi's imminent departure during a wild press conference on Friday afternoon
Seven minutes. That's all it took for Crystal Palace's season to hit a new low following last weekend's humiliating FA Cup exit.
With speculation doing the rounds that Marc Guehi was on his way to Manchester City, Oliver Glasner confirmed in his pre-match press conference for the trip to Sunderland that the Eagles captain won't be in his squad with the move "in the final stages".
And seven minutes later, the manager dropped an even bigger bombshell by confirming that he will leave the club at the end of the season when his current contract runs out.
It sent Palace fans - and the wider football community - into meltdown, with Glasner previously remaining tight-lipped on his future at Selhurst Park.
There are huge question marks over the timing of the announcement. Glasner has claimed that he told Eagles chief Steve Parish back in October that he wanted a fresh challenge - and he decided to break the news to his players on Friday.
JOIN US ON FB! Get the latest football news from Football London’s Facebook page
He revealed: "A decision has already been taken, months ago. I had a meeting with Steve [Parish] in October, the international break. We had a very long talk, and I told him I will not sign a new contract.
"We agreed at the time it was best to keep it between us. It's best that we could do that and keep it confidential for three months. I told the team today, because I think now it's important to have clarity.
"We had a very busy schedule so that's why we didn't want to talk about it. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace. I told Steve I'm just looking for a new challenge. I told him in October, it's nothing to do with the transfer window. I hate if something is written or said that is not true, and it was very tough for me not to respond. We have a great relationship, and we're always talking about what is best for Crystal Palace."
Maybe it's coincidence, but it seems bizarre timing that he announced his exit on the same day that it was decided Guehi would be sold this month. The same player who Glasner fought to keep in south London last year, with Palace pulling the plug on a late deadline day move to Liverpool in the summer.
Did Parish's decision to sell Guehi force Glasner's hand? It also throws a massive spanner in the works in terms of Palace's attempt to replace their departing captain.
They signed Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse in the summer and the 19-year-old has made 17 appearances in all competitions. But he was signed as a long-term option and the Eagles will likely need a ready-made replacement for Guehi.
But who is going to want to sign with the uncertainty surrounding the club? Is any player going to want to sign when it's unclear who will manage the club next season?
You have to feel sorry for Brennan Johnson, too. The Wales winger made the £35million move from Tottenham this month and it's understood Glasner played a big role in persuading him to make the switch.
And while Johnson is unlikely to leave the club this summer, plenty of others could soon join Guehi and Glasner out the door now their influential captain and inspiring manager is moving on to pastures new.
Adam Wharton, Daniel Munoz and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all flourished under Glasner and have plenty of potential suitors. Mateta in particular has been linked with a move to Juventus this month.
It was only back in May that Palace were celebrating their finest moment by beating Manchester City to win the FA Cup. It was a historic triumph that saw them claim their first major trophy in the club's 119-year history.
Fast forward eight months and Palace have become the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.
English (US) ·