Oliver Glasner has encouraged his Crystal Palace players to continue “tasting the honey” as he dismissed any “melancholic” discussions about his upcoming departure at the season's end. Palace stands on the verge of reaching the Conference League final after securing a 3-1 victory in the first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk, with the return leg scheduled for Thursday at Selhurst Park.

If Palace advances to the final in Leipzig on May 27, it will mark Glasner’s last game in charge following his announcement that he will leave when his contract expires in June. The 51-year-old Austrian has earned admiration at Palace, having orchestrated last season’s FA Cup triumph— the club’s first major trophy— and lifting the Community Shield at the start of the 2025-26 season.

Despite some fans asking him to stay, Glasner humorously noted that most approach him for a “selfie” while he rides the tube. Now, with European success within reach, he aims to ensure a memorable chapter in the club’s history is written.

“I made my decision and I have my reasons, but as I’ve always said, we want to end the season in the best possible way – and now we have the chance to do it,” Glasner stated.

He emphasized the importance of focus, saying, “It’s not now celebrating, having a farewell dinner every single night.” Glasner reminded his players, “Winning the Conference League means European football again next year at Selhurst.”

Will Hughes returns from illness for the second leg, but Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa remain injured. Glasner stressed the need for a strong performance, acknowledging Shakhtar's quality: “Nobody believes this... We will need another great performance, but of course we will play the game with a lot of confidence at home.”

With the support of their fans, Glasner believes the atmosphere will be electric, crucial for their pursuit of glory.