adminManager in pole position for Crystal Palace job after Pep Guardiola called him ‘one of the best’
Crystal Palace are actively searching for a successor to Oliver Glasner, with a coach admired by Pep Guardiola now emerging as the leading candidate.
Palace begin life after Glasner
When Glasner lifted a historic trophy at Wembley in May 2025—marking the club’s first major honour in 149 years—it felt like the start of a new era. Having arrived midway through the 2023/24 season, the Austrian quickly transformed Palace with a clear vision and strong leadership.
That success carried into the FA Community Shield, followed by qualification for European football through the Conference League—another milestone for the club. Chairman Steve Parish appeared to have found the perfect long-term manager.
However, the situation soon took a turn. Glasner revealed in January that he had already informed Parish back in October of his decision not to extend his contract beyond the summer.
Squad changes and dip in form
Since then, things have unravelled. Key players like Marc Guehi departed for Manchester City, while Jean-Philippe Mateta attracted interest from AC Milan. The squad that powered Palace’s rise was quickly broken apart.
Results have suffered as a result, with the team slipping to mid-table and fans growing frustrated at Selhurst Park. The gap between last season’s success and the current campaign has become increasingly clear.
Glasner will remain in charge until the end of the season, with hopes of a strong finish in Europe still alive. But attention is already shifting toward who will take over next—a decision that could shape the club’s long-term future.
Managerial candidates emerge
Several names have been linked with the role. Sean Dyche is seen as a reliable, safety-first option, known for his consistency and experience. Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola has also been mentioned, though he may prefer to stay at Bournemouth or consider a move to Athletic Bilbao.
Another strong contender is former Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
Thomas Frank leading the race
Reports suggest Palace have already approached Frank, who is currently the frontrunner for the job.
He became available in February following his departure from Tottenham after a difficult run of results.
Despite that setback, Frank’s reputation remains strong due to his impressive seven-year spell at Brentford.
He led the club into the Premier League for the first time in decades and established them as a competitive mid-table side despite limited resources. During his time there, he also helped develop players like Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, and David Raya.
Guardiola himself once described Frank as “one of the best” managers in the game. Even during his time at Tottenham, his team remained unbeaten at home in the Champions League—highlighting his tactical organisation.
A defining decision ahead
For Palace, Frank’s ability to develop players and compete effectively without massive spending makes him an appealing option—especially with potential European football on the horizon.
If Parish makes the right choice, Glasner’s era could serve as a foundation for continued growth rather than a peak the club struggles to replicate.
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