Oliver Glasner describes transfer window as a “missed opportunity” ahead of Villa Park trip
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has admitted that the recently concluded transfer window left him with mixed feelings, calling it a “missed opportunity” as his side prepares for a difficult Premier League trip to Aston Villa this weekend.
Despite some positive additions, Palace were unable to land all of their top targets, with late negotiations breaking down and budget restrictions preventing Glasner from strengthening key areas. The Austrian coach, who guided Palace to a strong finish last season, suggested that the club must show greater decisiveness in the market if they want to match ambitions with results.
“Of course, we improved in certain positions and I’m happy with the players we brought in,” Glasner told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “But honestly, there were also chances we didn’t take. For me, that is a missed opportunity. The Premier League is unforgiving, and if you want to compete with teams above you, you need depth, quality, and sometimes risk-taking in the transfer market.”
Palace had been linked with several attacking reinforcements and a defensive midfielder, but ended the window without sealing moves for their primary targets. Glasner acknowledged that injuries and suspensions could test the squad’s resilience, particularly with a congested fixture list ahead.
The Selhurst Park outfit will now turn their attention to Aston Villa, a side that has grown in strength under Unai Emery and boasts one of the best home records in the league. Glasner expects a stern challenge, highlighting Villa’s pace, physicality, and tactical organisation.
“Villa Park is never an easy place to go,” Glasner said. “They play with intensity, they are confident, and they have players who can decide a game in one moment. For us, it is about discipline, staying compact, and using the qualities we have to hurt them.”
While Palace fans may share their manager’s frustrations over the transfer window, Glasner called for unity and belief ahead of the coming weeks. “We work with the players we have, and I trust this squad. My job is to help them improve, and their job is to fight for every point. We can still have a very strong season, but we must stay focused together.”
With Villa pushing for Europe and Palace aiming to prove they can climb higher in the table, Saturday’s clash could provide an early test of just how costly this “missed opportunity” in the transfer window might prove.
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