The Athletic FC Podcast

Episode Title: How Glasner has made Palace unbeatable
Date: October 1, 2025
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Reuben Pinder, John McKenzie, Matt Woosnam

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Crystal Palace's remarkable transformation under Oliver Glasner. With Palace on an 18-game unbeaten run, fresh off cup glory and European entry, the panel explores how Glasner’s blend of tactical discipline, mentality, and squad management have made the club "unbeatable"—and what that means for their future both domestically and in Europe.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Liverpool Win and Changing Belief (01:28–04:58)

• The Atmosphere at Selhurst Park:
  Reuben Pinder sets the stage by recapping Palace's dramatic win over Liverpool, calling it "maybe the top three Selhurst Park moments post-promotion" (02:15).

  “There was a sense among the fan base that Palace could absolutely get a result against a Liverpool team who were of course also unbeaten until then, but did look fragile at the back.” – Reuben Pinder (02:36)

• Glasner’s Impact on Belief:
  Glasner's approach has given fans genuine optimism and players mental resilience:

  “…while Palace are not necessarily the best team in the country, they can beat anyone on their day. And that is partly down to the style of football they play and the intensity that they show.” – Reuben Pinder (02:47)

• Tactical Consistency:
  John McKenzie praises the “one size fits all” mid-block approach, allowing player familiarity and confident execution.

  “The beauty of playing in the way that they do is it's almost like a one size fits all tactical approach…you can then breed familiarity.” – John McKenzie (03:26) “They're happy for opponents to have the ball…when they win the ball back…they know exactly what to do to get the ball into dangerous areas and score.” – John McKenzie (03:47)

2. Mentality, Consistency, and Squad Unity (06:15–09:42)

• Glasner’s Managerial Touch:
  Matt Woosnam attributes the unbeaten run to Glasner's mentality, tactical clarity, and squad management:

  “…Oliver Glasner is just an absolutely fantastic manager. He's really instilled this fantastic mentality and this belief that they can go toe to toe with anyone.” – Matt Woosnam (06:15) “He didn’t want a big squad…he wants players to play and get used to each other and be confident.” – Matt Woosnam (06:55)

• Player and Fan Buy-in:
  The mentality shift is apparent in both players' late-game comebacks and the supporters’ new expectations:

  “There’s a sense of optimism going into every game that wasn’t there at the start of last season.” – Reuben Pinder (09:03) Rituals and visible unity, like Maxence Lacroix’s “Jurgen Klopp esque triple cheer,” reflect the new culture (08:21).

3. Glasner’s Tactical System vs. ‘Elite’ Club Expectations (10:55–15:17)

• Formations are Just a Starting Point:
  McKenzie argues that the tactical system is about more than numbers: roles are what matter, and Glasner’s system leverages Palace’s squad strengths.

  “Formation is only just one small part really…players’ roles can completely change that.” – John McKenzie (11:17) Palace focus on a disciplined mid-block, ceding possession (just 40%) but executing well-timed transitions—contrasted with elite teams like Manchester United, who seek possession dominance.

• Changing the Premier League Tactical Meta:
  As teams face new difficulties progressing the ball, Palace’s model exploits these trends:

  “There’s an interesting tactical meta…teams are finding it harder to progress the ball down the field for a number of reasons...I think that's played into Palace’s hands.” – John McKenzie (13:53)

• Key Players:
  Adam Wharton is spotlighted as central to fast transitions:

  “…especially when the ball is recovered, moving it forward quickly. He's the real key to that.” – Reuben Pinder (10:44)

4. Set Piece Mastery (15:17–17:15)

• Dramatic Improvement from Corners:
  Palace now lead the Premier League in goals per corner, thanks to dedicated set piece coaches and disciplined routines.

  “Per corner, Palace are by far and away the most effective team…I think Glasner has one specific coach dedicated to it.”—Reuben Pinder (15:30) “I think he has two actually: an attacking and defensive set piece coach…and they spend 15 minutes in every training session working on set pieces.” – John McKenzie (15:49)

• Smart, Simple Tactics:
  Reuben credits clever but simple screens and well-timed runs, with three centre backs boosting aerial threat (16:02).

5. European Ambitions and Squad Depth Concerns (19:23–25:40)

• Europe: Excitement vs. Risk:
  Palace face Dynamo Kyiv in the Conference League—a new frontier for the club, bringing both excitement and logistical challenges.

  “Palace are in European competition for the first time ever. What’s not to be excited about?” – Reuben Pinder (19:41) However, entering Europe puts a strain on a relatively small, tightly-drilled squad: “The fewer games you have, the easier it is to be consistent. Right. So adding a chunk of extra games…much less recovery time…that is going to have a knock on effect.” – John McKenzie (21:47)

• Squad Depth Issues:
  Certain areas—especially the wing backs—are thin, making rotation and injury risks a major worry (23:18–25:40).

  “Munoz plays, he’s one, incredibly important to the attacking play and two, yeah, has to run up and down all day long. So you add another game in midweek and you’re starting to really push him into the red zone.” – John McKenzie (24:09)

6. The Glasner Question – Will He Stay? (25:40–31:02)

• Managerial Speculation:
  With Glasner out of contract in the summer, fan anxiety is real, but both Reuben and John doubt a mid-season departure:

  “I don’t really see him leaving mid season…there’s no harm in just finishing the season and seeing what more he can achieve.” – Reuben Pinder (26:55) Elite jobs (like Manchester United or perhaps RB Leipzig) are mentioned as logical next steps, with discussion on whether Glasner’s style would “scale.” “It would be a bold elite side who brought in a manager like that because of the tactical aspects, but…he has deserved to be in these sorts of conversations.” – John McKenzie (30:08)

7. The Transfer Cycle and Club Model (31:02–34:31)

• Inevitable Departures:
  Palace fans accept their selling-club status—star assets (Eze, Olise, possibly Wharton or Guehi) moving on is part of the model.

  “It’s the food chain...There is an acceptance that this is the model. Right. So to keep improving or to even stay…you need to bring money in.” – Reuben Pinder (31:24) Recent savvy player sales are highlighted as crucial for reinvestment and sustainability.

8. Predictions & Expectations (35:59–38:55)

• Ambition and Reality:
  With Palace now cup winners and in Europe, expectations have shifted—fans dare to dream of a Conference League final, yet recognize squad limitations:

  “There is kind of an expectation of getting to the Conference League final. Wow.” – Reuben Pinder (36:34) “If it weren’t for the fact that Palace are probably...amongst the favorites in the Conference League, I would probably have them around seventh, maybe bump that down…So still a very good…top half finish is what Palace fans have wanted for a while.” – John McKenzie (38:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the culture shift:

  “There’s a sense of optimism going into every game that wasn’t there at the start of last season.” – Reuben Pinder (09:03)

• On tactical evolution:

  “The beauty of playing in the way that they do is it's almost like a one size fits all tactical approach…Consistency...allows you to get the benefits of doing the same things over and over and over again.” – John McKenzie (03:26)

• On European ambitions:

  “Palace are in European competition for the first time ever. What’s not to be excited about?” – Reuben Pinder (19:41)

• On realistic squad limits:

  “The fewer games you have, the easier it is to be consistent…adding a chunk of extra games…that is going to have a knock on effect.” – John McKenzie (21:47)

• On the inevitability of key players/coaches moving on:

  “It’s the food chain. There is an acceptance that this is the model.” – Reuben Pinder (31:24)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic/Discussion | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:28 | Introduction – Palace's run and Liverpool victory | | 03:17 | Key tactics: Mid-block, direct transitions | | 06:15 | Matt Woosnam on Glasner’s impact and squad mentality | | 09:02 | The fan perspective – optimism and belief | | 10:44 | Adam Wharton’s importance | | 13:53 | Tactical meta shift in the Premier League | | 15:17 | Set piece revolution & dedicated coaches | | 19:23 | European campaign preview (Dynamo Kyiv) | | 21:47 | Depth concerns and squad rotation | | 25:40 | Will Glasner stay? Transfer and contract speculation | | 31:24 | How Palace handle losing star players; their club model | | 35:59 | Predictions: How high can Palace finish? | | 38:00 | Outsider perspective: Palace’s best realistic finish |

Conclusion

This episode offers a rich, insightful look behind Crystal Palace’s transformation under Oliver Glasner. The hosts and guests articulate how mentality, tactical clarity, and savvy club management have propelled Palace to new heights. They frankly assess challenges ahead—squad depth, European demands, and inevitable player/manager departures—while celebrating a period that has reset what Palace fans can hope to expect.

The tone is optimistic but grounded, full of memorable moments, insider knowledge, and appreciation for what’s being achieved in South London football.