Oliver Glasner has admitted that his return to Crystal Palace with Nottingham Forest could bring a hostile reception, but insists there was never a plan for him to take charge at the City Ground. The Austrian will face his former club at Selhurst Park on Sunday for the first time since leaving in the summer, only 40 days after guiding Palace to the Conference League title.
Glasner’s departure has added to an already bitter relationship between the clubs. Forest’s successful complaint to Uefa over Palace’s multi-club ownership situation contributed to the Eagles being moved into the Conference League, while Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is suing Palace for defamation over a supporters’ banner. The rivalry has intensified further since Glasner became Forest’s manager.
The 52-year-old hopes Palace supporters remember the achievements of his time in south London. Under Glasner, the Eagles won the FA Cup, the Conference League and the Community Shield — the first major trophies in the club’s history. Palace chairman Steve Parish has said Glasner deserves a hero’s welcome, although the manager accepts that some fans may boo him.
Glasner has stressed that his decision to leave was not made against Palace. He says he had already decided in October not to sign a new contract, before an opportunity at Forest emerged unexpectedly during the summer. The manager also remains in contact with Parish and has visited him in London.
The return will also revive memories of a difficult spell earlier in Glasner’s Palace tenure. In February, after a run of one win in 15 matches and an FA Cup defeat by non-league Macclesfield, he told supporters to “stay humble” when some called for his dismissal. He remains unapologetic about speaking plainly, saying he accepts that not everyone will agree with his decisions.
Forest’s start under Glasner has been inconsistent, but he has pointed to his record at Palace and Eintracht Frankfurt as evidence that progress may take time. He began with eight league matches without a win at both clubs before eventually lifting major European trophies. Glasner says he accepted the Forest job because he saw the potential to help the club create a significant chapter in its history, but Sunday’s visit will place him directly in front of the Palace supporters who celebrated his unprecedented success.
