Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner stirred plenty of discussion after his post-match press conference, where he boldly claimed it is “better to lose than to draw,” following Palace’s hard-fought stalemate with Sunderland earlier today. The Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, a result that left supporters divided and Glasner visibly frustrated.
The Austrian tactician, known for his direct and sometimes unconventional approach, made it clear that he sees little benefit in drawing games. “A draw gives us nothing,” Glasner stated firmly to the press. “When you lose, you feel the pain, and you learn more from it. When you win, you gain momentum. But when you draw, you sit in the middle with no clarity. For me, I would rather my team risk everything to win, even if that means sometimes we lose.”
Palace had taken the lead early in the first half through a well-worked move, but Sunderland responded with a determined second-half equalizer. Despite creating chances late in the game, Palace were unable to find a winner. That frustration was evident in Glasner’s body language and words as he addressed the media.
From a tactical perspective, his comments underline a clear philosophy: he wants his team to play with full attacking intent, prioritizing victories rather than settling for caution. Glasner emphasized that the mentality of his squad must shift towards taking greater risks in pursuit of three points. “If we want to compete in this league, we cannot be satisfied with safety first. The difference between one point and three points is huge, but the difference between zero and one point is not enough to change your season.”
Fans have been quick to react, with some praising Glasner for his winning mindset, while others worry that his approach could backfire if the team becomes too reckless. Palace currently sit mid-table, and consistency has been a recurring challenge. While losses can be damaging, Glasner’s comments reflect a desire to instill bravery and ambition in his squad.
Looking ahead, Crystal Palace will need to translate that philosophy into results. Risk-taking football can be thrilling and rewarding, but it also leaves little margin for error. Sunderland’s resilience today showed that opponents will punish any lapses. For Glasner, however, the priority remains clear: victory at all costs. Whether supporters fully agree or not, his “better to lose than draw” mantra could define Palace’s season moving forward.
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