Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has stated that his team will remain composed and at ease ahead of their UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano, after completing detailed preparations. This marks the first-ever European final for both the London club and their Spanish opponents under Glasner, and it will also be his final match in charge.

The Austrian coach’s departure has already been confirmed following a highly successful spell at Selhurst Park, where he led Palace to victory in both the Community Shield and FA Cup. Glasner expressed his desire to conclude his tenure on a high note.

“When you see how hard everyone has worked throughout the season — the players, the staff, and all the people at the club — it would mean a great deal. It would be a fantastic way to end the season. But this is football, and anything can happen. What matters is that we enjoy it,” he said.

Discussing their match preparation, Glasner assured that everything necessary had already been done.

“It will be very relaxed. Whatever we haven’t done by now, we can’t suddenly fix tomorrow. We began tactical sessions last week, showing the players videos of Vallecano — how they play with a back three or back four, how they manage possession, and how they set up when they don’t have much of the ball.”

“Depending on the questions here, we’ll go for dinner next. The players can get plenty of rest since it’s a long day — kick-off isn’t until 21:00 local time. My favourite moment is the half-hour when they play head tennis. Watching them reminds me of kids playing — it’s so enjoyable. It lifts their spirits and shows how united the group is. I hope they are laughing tomorrow, not nervous or withdrawn. When they are themselves, we have the best chance to succeed.”

With several Basque coaches currently excelling in football — from Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta to Andoni Iraola — and Iñigo Pérez from nearby Pamplona also making his mark, Glasner was asked about this remarkable trend.

“I’ll be visiting the Basque Country this summer to find out what their secret is — maybe it’s something in the food! They must be doing something right. Their clubs, like Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, are also performing strongly in European competitions. But perhaps Yeremy [Pino] knows more — he’s Spanish,” he joked.

In recent days, there had been some uncertainty over the fitness of key players Adam Wharton and Chris Richards. However, both trained normally on Tuesday morning, suggesting they could feature in the final. Glasner, though, remained cautious about confirming their starting roles.

“The good thing is they were both available today. There are 36 hours between the training session and the match. The medical team is working tirelessly, even late into the night and again tomorrow morning. I will only select players I believe are 100% fit. I’ll talk to them tomorrow morning, and if I have any doubts, I’ll make changes in the line-up. But it’s encouraging that they trained without major issues. Everyone carries some pain at this stage of the season,” Glasner explained.

Earlier in the campaign, there were moments when Glasner’s future seemed uncertain. He acknowledged that differences in opinion were natural and even necessary for growth, both for himself and his players.

“I never think negatively — it’s all about positive thinking. Over such a long season with so many matches, challenges are inevitable. December and January were particularly tough. But we knew we needed to make some changes in January, which the club did, to secure our league position and then focus on the Conference League.”

“Honestly, there was more noise outside the club than inside. The players are the most important, and our relationship with them is very strong. Of course, we had discussions, but that’s completely normal. If everyone just agrees all the time, you never push each other to improve. If a player only says yes to everything, you might have harmony, but you’ll never win anything. I like when players challenge me — it makes me think and sometimes change. That’s how development happens. Now, we’re in another final, our second one with Crystal Palace. I think that’s quite alright,” he said.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, speaking with a smile, remarked that he would never cross the Palace manager. Overall, the mood in the Palace camp was one of calm confidence — a team that knows its preparation is complete. With their Premier League status secured well before the end of the season, the Eagles have been able to focus entirely on their European journey.