Crystal Palace actually tried to hire another manager before appointing Oliver Glasner – and even made him an offer.
The Austrian has taken the Premier League by storm with his 3-4-3 formation since replacing Roy Hodgson in February, overseeing a run of five games unbeaten, which include wins over Liverpool, West Ham, Newcastle and Manchester United.
However, Crystal Palace very nearly hired someone else before turning to Oliver Glasner…
Crystal Palace made Julen Lopetegui offer before hiring Oliver Glasner
A story from Rádio Renascença claims that Crystal Palace actually made a proposal to Julen Lopetegui after deciding to move on from Hodgson.
It is said that the Spaniard was also in advanced talks with AC Milan during this period, and was offered €18m (£15m) to manage an unnamed Saudi Arabian club as well.
However, Rádio Renascença explain that Lopetegui – who Ruben Neves once called a “special” coach – felt the timing was wrong to take a new role.
While that may have left Steve Parish disappointed at the time, given the 57-year-old’s excellent CV which includes spells in charge of the Spanish National Team and Real Madrid, everything worked out for the Eagles eventually.
Crystal Palace now have a hugely exciting tactician in Glasner, who also seems to be a superb man manager.
According to The Athletic, players at Selhurst Park have been left blown away by the 49-year-old, specifically his attention to detail, while the hug he received from Michael Olise during Monday’s 4-0 win over Manchester United was telling.
Austrian could soon face first major setback
All is going swimmingly for Glasner in SE25 right now, although a major setback could soon occur as Newcastle hold advanced talks over hiring Dougie Freedman as their new Director of Football.
The Telegraph believe the Glaswegian has even undergone an interview with the Magpies, impressing those on Tyneside with his vision for recruitment.
Therefore, a key cog in the project under Glasner could soon be leaving, just as we seem to be entering a very exciting period under the man from Salzburg.
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